UNICEF, Kaduna Officials Push for Private Sector Support on Six-Month Maternity Leave

By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna

UNICEF and Kaduna State health authorities have made a passionate appeal to Nigeria’s private sector to implement six-month paid maternity leave, stressing that exclusive breastfeeding during a child’s first six months is essential for survival, development, and long-term health.

Speaking during an outreach to reproductive-age women in Rigasa, Igabi Local Government Area as part of activities marking World Breastfeeding Week 2025, UNICEF Kaduna Chief of Field Office, Dr. Gerida Birukila, emphasised the critical role of workplace support in enabling mothers to breastfeed exclusively.

“Kaduna is one of only 10 states implementing the six-month paid maternity leave for government workers,” Dr. Birukila said.

“But we are urging the private sector to step up as well. Without supportive workplace policies like maternity leave and breastfeeding-friendly environments, many women are forced to abandon exclusive breastfeeding early.”

Health experts say exclusive breastfeeding reduces infant mortality, boosts immunity, and supports a child’s brain development. But for working mothers—particularly in the private sector—long commutes, rigid work schedules, lack of workplace crèches, and minimal family support continue to pose serious challenges.

Ramatu Musa Haruna, State Nutrition Officer at the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, acknowledged Kaduna’s progress in supporting breastfeeding mothers in the public sector, but called for greater inclusivity.

“The state government has shown leadership by introducing six-month maternity leave and encouraging the setup of workplace crèches,” she said.

“This gives mothers the opportunity to breastfeed and return to work with peace of mind. But the reality is, these benefits still largely exclude women in the private sector.”

She noted that while preliminary engagements with private employers are underway, significant gaps remain.

“A healthy baby starts with a healthy mother. The time to act is now. Let’s make six-month paid maternity leave the standard, not the exception,” she urged.

The World Breastfeeding Week outreach in Rigasa served as a platform to educate women on the life-saving benefits of exclusive breastfeeding and advocate for systemic changes to protect maternal and child health in both public and private workplaces.