Kaduna Stakeholders Push for Improved Nutrition, Paid Maternity Leave, Crèche Policies

By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna

As part of moves to strengthen maternal and child health and advance nutrition outcomes across Kaduna State, key executives, policymakers, legislatures, development partners, and civil society actors gathered on Thursday for a high-level nutrition breakfast meeting. 

The event was organized by the Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN).

The meeting, held in Kaduna, brought together stakeholders from across ministries, the State House of Assembly, international development partners including UNICEF, and representatives from civil society organizations.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of PBC, Bashir Muhammad Mini, described the meeting as not only timely but strategic. 

He emphasized that it represented a vital step in strengthening collaboration, aligning policy priorities, and ensuring inclusive, impactful development across Kaduna State.

“This gathering provides a forum for deep dialogue, honest reflection, and renewed commitment to Kaduna State’s development agenda.

“Let this meeting mark another milestone in our shared journey to build a Kaduna State where development is not just a plan on paper but a lived reality for every citizen,” he said.

Jessica Bartholomew, Kaduna State Coordinator for CS-SUNN, outlined the objectives of the meeting, highlighting three core areas: improved funding and budget allocation for nutrition, the push for a six-month paid maternity leave policy, and the establishment of crèches in all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

Bartholomew emphasized that for ministries without budget lines for nutrition, stakeholders would advocate for their creation, while for those with existing lines, focus would be on timely releases and cashbacking to ensure effective program implementation.

She also praised the recent engagements with the Honourable Commissioner for Finance and the Accountant General of Kaduna State, noting that they had shared new methodologies to improve funding processes, which would be presented during the meeting to help ministries and agencies better access and utilize funds.

On the issue of paid maternity leave, she said, “We are pushing for the implementation and legislation of the six-month paid maternity leave policy, and today, we are joined by key legislators to discuss progress on this important bill.”

Additionally, Bartholomew called for the establishment of crèches across MDAs to support exclusive breastfeeding and continued care for infants after the six-month maternity leave period, a move she described as essential for improving child health and nutrition outcomes.

Hon. Jesse David, Chairman House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to maternal and child health.

“By the special grace of God, we are actively engaging with the legal department of the House to draft a bill on the six-month paid maternity leave policy, and we are optimistic it will be passed before the end of this year,” Hon. Jesse announced.

He cited Niger State’s recent passage of a similar bill as motivation for Kaduna to become the second state to enact such a progressive law.

“We are determined to follow suit and work diligently to protect the rights and health of women and children in our state,” he added.

Representing UNICEF Kaduna Chief of Office Gerida Birukila, Nutrition Specialist Chinwe Ezeife delivered a goodwill message emphasizing UNICEF’s unwavering support for Kaduna State’s efforts.

“UNICEF exists to protect the rights of every child, everywhere,” she said. “The first 1,000 days of a child’s life are crucial, and sustained investment in nutrition during this period sets children on a path toward healthy growth and development.”

Ezeife commended Kaduna State’s allocation of ₦400 million for the procurement of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) and other critical nutrition supplies for children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

In a show of strong partnership, she announced that UNICEF would match Kaduna State’s contribution on a one-to-one basis, effectively doubling the supplies available to save more lives and prevent further cases of malnutrition.

“This commitment is a testament to the state’s remarkable dedication to child health and nutrition,” Ezeife noted, encouraging other states to emulate Kaduna’s example.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the CS-SUNN National Secretariat, Program Officer Ambrose Evhoesor expressed appreciation for the unwavering support of the Kaduna State Ministry of Planning and Budget.

“CS-SUNN remains open to partnerships with all stakeholders, government agencies, development partners, and civil society organizations. We welcome any collaboration that will help us address pressing nutrition challenges,” Evhoesor said.

He stressed the importance of outlining concrete next steps at the end of the meeting and called for continued collective action to improve the lives of women and children across Kaduna State and Nigeria at large.

As policymakers, development partners, and advocates left the venue, there was a shared sense of urgency and determination that no child should be left behind and no mother should be denied the support she needs to nurture the next generation.

With pledges of strengthened financing, legislative reforms, and enhanced partnerships, Kaduna State appears poised to set a new standard for maternal and child health, nutrition, and social protection policies in Nigeria.