By Abdullahi Tukur
News Updates In Nigeria Today | The Bureau News
Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, has approved a six-month maternity leave for female workers in the state civil service, marking a significant policy shift aimed at promoting exclusive breastfeeding and improved child health.
The governor made the announcement in Birnin Kebbi during the official launch of the Kebbi State Food and Nutrition Policy and the Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action on Nutrition (MSPAN). The new leave policy comes in response to an appeal by UNICEF, which has consistently advocated for longer maternity leave to enable mothers to exclusively breastfeed their newborns for the first six months of life.
Governor Idris stated that a bill will be sent to the State House of Assembly to legally back the decision and make it a permanent part of Kebbi’s civil service framework.
“The wellbeing of our children starts from birth, and we believe this policy will help set a strong foundation,” the governor said.
In a related move, the governor also approved UNICEF’s funding request to tackle malnutrition among children in the state. The Kebbi State Government will contribute ₦500 million, while local government councils will provide an additional ₦261 million, both of which will be paid into a UNICEF-managed CNF Account to support child nutrition programs.
“The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs must ensure the release of the ₦261 million already budgeted by Friday,” the governor instructed. “The Commissioner for Finance should also release the ₦500 million earmarked by the state government.”
At the event, Mr. Michael Jumah, Head of UNICEF’s Sokoto Field Office, represented by Isah Ibrahim, said the funds would be used to procure vital nutritional commodities for children. These include multiple micronutrient supplements, small quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements, and Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF).
Governor Idris reaffirmed his commitment to ending child malnutrition, improving food security, and ensuring access to nutritious meals for every child in the state.