Kebbi Gov Approves 6-Month Maternity Leave for Civil Servants, Bolsters Nutrition Funding

 Byline: Umar Faruk

Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria - July 28, 2025 (Series News Online)

 Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has sanctioned the prompt enforcement of a maternity leave policy spanning six months for expectant civil servants within the state. This landmark decision stems from a petition by UNICEF to prolong maternity leave from three to six months, thereby allowing mothers to nurse their newborns exclusively for an extended duration.

The Governor made this revelation at the unveiling of the Kebbi State Food Nutrition Policy and MSPAN, which took place at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi on Monday. Governor Idris declared, "The government will submit a Bill to the House of Assembly to enact legislation formalizing this policy," thereby ensuring its institutionalization.

Furthermore, Governor Idris acquiesced to an additional UNICEF plea, pledging the state government to allocate N500 million and instructing Local Government Councils to contribute N261 million to the UNICEF Managed CNF Account. This funding targets nutrition programs aimed at malnourished children. The Governor stressed, "I hereby instruct the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to expedite the release of N261 million, already earmarked in the budget, to UNICEF by this Friday," and supplemented, "Similarly, the Commissioner for Finance is to disburse N500 million to the Organisation for the same purpose."

 Governor Idris reasserted his administration's resolve to combat childhood malnutrition, augment food security, and guarantee access to wholesome nutrition, ultimately fostering a dignified existence. This undertaking highlights the state's proactive stance on tackling pressing health and nutrition issues.

 Represented by Isah Ibrahim, the Head of UNICEF Sokoto Office, Mr. Michael Jumah, elucidated that the funds channeled into the UNICEF Managed CNF Account by Kebbi State would be dedicated to procuring essential nutrition supplies. Mr. Jumah specified, "These encompass multiple micronutrient supplements, small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements, and ready-to-use therapeutic food, designed to prevent and treat malnutrition," and vowed, "Together, we shall eradicate malnutrition comprehensively across the state."