The Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria has called on the Gombe State Government to extend paid maternity leave from four to six months, stressing that the move is critical to reducing maternal and child deaths, improving exclusive breastfeeding, and enhancing maternal wellbeing.
The call was made during an advocacy visit to the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Luggerewo, and the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Salihu Baba Alkali, by a delegation led by Ambrose Evhoesor from CSSUNN’s national secretariat in Abuja, and the Gombe State Coordinator, Comfort Mukollo.
CS-SUNN Coordinator Gombe State
Speaking at the State Assembly, Evhoesor presented evidence-based arguments supporting the policy shift, highlighting the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and postnatal care in the first six months of life.
He noted that the World Health Organization recommends six months of exclusive breastfeeding, a practice proven to reduce child mortality and promote optimal growth and development.
He explained that extending maternity leave would provide nursing mothers the necessary time to care for their infants, return to work healthier, and increase workplace productivity in the long run.
Mr Evhoesor further emphasised the strategic role of both the legislature and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in shaping policy and allocating resources to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
He commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s investments in nutrition and urged for increased budgetary commitment and legislative support to combat malnutrition in the state.
In his response, Speaker Luggerewo described malnutrition as a topical issue with significant implications for the wellbeing of the population.
He assured the delegation that the Assembly would consider the proposal seriously and continue its oversight responsibilities to ensure government interventions reach the grassroots.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Salihu Baba Alkali, acknowledged the relevance of the proposal and affirmed that the government, in collaboration with UNICEF, remains committed to tackling nutrition-related challenges.
He advised CSSUNN to sustain its advocacy at the national level, noting that federal adoption of the six-month policy would ease state-level domestication and implementation. He also assured that Gombe would liaise with other states already implementing the policy to learn from their experience.
Earlier, Mrs. Comfort Mukollo reiterated that children who are exclusively breastfed are generally stronger, healthier, and less susceptible to illness, stressing the long-term benefits of the proposed policy.
The advocacy campaign supporter by UNICEF continued with visits to other key government offices. The delegation met with the Gombe State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Abdukadir Mohammed Waziri; the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Ethical Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Mijinyawa Tilde; and the Head of Service, Alhaji Ahmed Kasimu.
During these meetings, CSSUNN presented data showing the cost-effectiveness of maternity leave extension and the need to align with global best practices. The officials were unanimous in acknowledging the importance of nutrition and expressed willingness to consider the proposal.
Alhaji Waziri commended CSSUNN’s efforts and promised to engage relevant stakeholders in reviewing the current policy. Alhaji Tilde pledged to use the ministry’s communication platforms to raise awareness about exclusive breastfeeding and maternal care. Alhaji Kasimu noted the state’s commitment to improving civil service policies and health outcomes and assured the team of government’s openness to the proposal.
Also lending support, the Director General of Gombe Media Corporation, Malam Ibrahim Isa, expressed the agency’s readiness to support public sensitisation through strategic programming and media partnerships. He said the organisation remains committed to using its platforms to educate the public on nutrition, breastfeeding, and maternal health.
