The Zamfara State Government has approved a six-month maternity leave for female civil servants as part of efforts to promote exclusive breastfeeding and improve maternal and child health outcomes.

The State Head of Service, Yakubu Haidara, announced the approval on Thursday in Gusau while receiving a delegation from Civil Society–Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria.

The delegation had visited the state to advocate for extended maternity leave, increased nutrition funding and improved budget tracking to ensure timely release of funds for nutrition programmes.

Haidara said the approval reflected Governor Dauda Lawal’s commitment to improving infant nutrition and strengthening exclusive breastfeeding practices across the state.

“I believe the governor’s approval is aimed at addressing malnutrition among children in the state,” Haidara said.

He described maternity leave as critical for supporting mothers and babies during the early stages of childbirth, noting that it helps mothers recover physically, reduces the risk of postpartum depression, supports exclusive breastfeeding and strengthens mother-child bonding.

“It provides essential time for physical recovery, prevents postpartum depression, facilitates exclusive breastfeeding and promotes vital emotional bonding,” he said.

Haidara said both government and civil society organisations share a common goal of protecting children and ensuring healthier future generations.

He recalled that Governor Lawal approved N500 million counterpart funding for nutrition activities last year, expressing confidence that the state would sustain or increase its investment in nutrition programmes.

“I believe this year also the governor will do the same or even more for nutrition activities in the state,” he said.

The Head of Service assured the delegation that the state government would continue collaborating with development partners and civil society groups to tackle child malnutrition.

Earlier, CS-SUNN State Coordinator, Kabiru Jangeru, described the policy approval as a major milestone in promoting maternal and child nutrition.

Jangeru said malnutrition remains a serious threat to child survival and requires sustained investment, stronger policies and collaboration among stakeholders.

“We are working with UNICEF support to advocate enhanced nutrition funding and exclusive breastfeeding among children,” he said.

He noted that six months of maternity leave would enable mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies, which would help reduce malnutrition and improve child health outcomes.

Jangeru commended Governor Lawal for responding positively to the advocacy and also praised the Head of Service for facilitating the engagement that led to the approval.

“We appreciate the governor for the kind gesture and quick response to our advocacy,” he said.