Niger State Extends Maternity Leave to Six Months, Championing Maternal and Child Health

In a significant move to bolster maternal and child health, the Niger State Government has approved an extension of maternity leave for female civil servants from three to six months. This policy shift, announced by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago during a State Executive Council meeting in Minna, aims to provide nursing mothers with ample time to care for themselves and their newborns, aligning with international best practices.

Governor Bago emphasized that the extended leave is designed to enhance the well-being of mothers and children, stating that it would allow mothers to return to work healthier and more productive. He directed the Head of Service, Abubakar Sadiq Idris, to develop a framework for the effective implementation of this policy.

This initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to supporting families and promoting a healthier workforce, recognizing the critical role of maternal health in societal development.