The Kebbi State Government has approved six months of maternity leave for female civil servants to promote exclusive breastfeeding and improve child health outcomes.
Governor Nasir Idris announced the approval during a meeting with UNICEF officials at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.
He revealed that a bill to formalize the policy would soon be sent to the State House of Assembly for legislative backing.
In addition to the maternity leave initiative, Governor Idris reaffirmed the state’s commitment to tackling malnutrition.
He ordered the immediate release of N261 million allocated in the state budget and directed the Ministry of Finance to disburse an additional N500 million to support UNICEF’s nutrition programs in Kebbi.
UNICEF’s Head of Sokoto Field Office, Mr. Michael Juma, praised the governor’s proactive steps, assuring that the funds would be used to provide essential nutrition supplies to combat malnutrition in the state.
