Maternity Leave Reform: Nasarawa Sets Pace with Six-Month Pay, Sparks Call for Nationwide Adoption

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Nasarawa State has taken a bold step in public sector welfare, approving six months of paid maternity leave and 14 days of paternity leave for its workers, a move now being hailed as a potential game-changer for nutrition and child health outcomes across Nigeria.

The Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) described the policy as a major breakthrough, urging other states to follow suit in strengthening family-friendly workplace reforms.

In a statement issued in Kaduna, CS-SUNN Executive Secretary, Sunday Okoronkwo, said the decision places Nasarawa among a growing list of states prioritising maternal and child wellbeing through extended leave policies.

He noted that the reform aligns with global health standards, particularly recommendations supporting exclusive breastfeeding, and reflects a strategic shift toward long-term human capital development.

According to him, beyond improving family welfare, the policy is expected to deliver broader socio-economic benefits, including reduced infant mortality, improved child development, and increased productivity in the workforce.

CS-SUNN, which has championed the policy for over a decade, also pointed to the state’s ₦250 million commitment to the Child Nutrition Fund as further evidence of its dedication to tackling malnutrition.

While commending development partners such as UNICEF Nigeria for their support, the group called on other state governments to adopt similar measures, stressing that investing in maternal and child nutrition is critical to sustainable development.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of the policy, noting that its true impact will be measured by tangible improvements in the health and wellbeing of women and children.

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