CS-SUNN Credits Advocacy Push for Nasarawa’s Six-Month Paid Maternity Leave Approval
By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna
The Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) has credited years of sustained advocacy, high-level policy dialogues, and strategic engagement with government and media partners for the Nasarawa State Government’s landmark approval of six months paid maternity leave and 14 days paternity leave for public servants.
The Executive Secretary of CS-SUNN, Sunday Okoronkwo, said the policy breakthrough is a direct outcome of persistent efforts to institutionalize improved maternal, infant, and young child nutrition across Nigeria.
He noted that CS-SUNN’s engagements; ranging from advocacy visits to top government officials to stakeholder mobilization and media campaigns helped build the momentum that culminated in the decision.
The newly approved policy aligns with global best practices and the World Health Organization’s recommendation on exclusive breastfeeding, offering working mothers the time and financial security needed for proper postpartum recovery and optimal child care.
Experts say the move will significantly reduce infant mortality, improve cognitive development, and strengthen overall family wellbeing.
Nasarawa now becomes the 18th state in Nigeria to adopt six months paid maternity leave, joining a growing list of states advancing policies that support human capital development and nutrition security.
CS-SUNN also highlighted complementary gains from its advocacy, including the state’s ₦250 million allocation to the Child Nutrition Fund, with ₦125 million already released, further demonstrating commitment to improved nutrition outcomes.
Okoronkwo called on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in the state to ensure full implementation of the policy and urged other states yet to adopt the initiative to follow suit, stressing that the reform is a strategic investment in the health, productivity, and future of women and children.
