The Secretary of Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), Katsina chapter, Mr. Abdulrahman Abdullahi, has called for the adoption of a six-month paid maternity leave policy for working mothers in Katsina State.
Abdullahi made the appeal on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the Chairperson of the Katsina State Committee on Nutrition, Mrs. Rukayya Hamza-Usman. He said the proposed policy would help working mothers better balance childcare responsibilities with their professional obligations, while improving family wellbeing across the state.
Speaking during the visit, Abdullahi explained that CS-SUNN and other stakeholders were already engaging relevant authorities and lawmakers to secure legislative backing for the policy.
He noted that the current maternity leave period could be extended through sustained advocacy and stronger collaboration with government institutions and development partners.
According to Abdullahi, the quickest route to implementing the policy would be through an executive bill transmitted by the state government to the Katsina State House of Assembly.
He stressed the importance of involving critical stakeholders, including the State Executive Council, lawmakers, and the Office of the Head of Service, to ensure the smooth passage of the proposed legislation.
Abdullahi further disclosed that the state nutrition intervention committee had already recommended six-month paid maternity leave as part of broader efforts to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
He acknowledged that some people might consider the number of direct beneficiaries relatively small, but argued that the long-term social and economic benefits for children, families, and society would be substantial.
The CS-SUNN official also called for increased public awareness and a shift in attitudes among employers and women to support the proposed policy.
Responding, the Chairperson of the Katsina State Committee on Nutrition, Mrs. Rukayya Hamza-Usman, commended CS-SUNN officials for their sustained advocacy on issues affecting women and children in the state.
Hamza-Usman expressed optimism that continued collaboration among stakeholders would help fast-track the adoption of the proposed six-month paid maternity leave policy in Katsina State.
She said allowing mothers sufficient recovery and bonding time after childbirth would contribute to improved nutrition, healthier children, and stronger family wellbeing.
The committee chairperson also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving nutrition indices and maternal welfare across the state.
According to her, the committee would continue collaborating with relevant stakeholders and development partners to strengthen policies that support women and children.
Hamza-Usman added that the proposal to extend maternity leave would be communicated to the appropriate authorities for consideration.
She also emphasised the importance of collective action in tackling malnutrition and promoting healthier living standards among families in Katsina State.
