Stakeholders in nutrition have advocated for extending maternity leave from three months to six months and increasing the budget for nutrition activities in Sokoto State.
This recommendation was presented in a communique following a one-day policy dialogue on the proposed extension of paid maternity leave.
Maternity leave is the period during which women are absent from work after childbirth.
The stakeholders included representatives from civil society organizations, state government officials from various ministries, affiliated agencies, NAFDAC, and the media.
The meeting, organized by the NGO Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria in collaboration with UNICEF, took place on the 6th of August, 2024, in Sokoto.
In the communique read by Malam Rabi’u Gandi of Save The Child Initiative, the stakeholders emphasized the necessity of the extension to ensure adequate infant care and improved maternal health.
They noted that extended leave would support exclusive breastfeeding and allow mothers to focus better on their jobs once the leave period ends.
Additionally, they argued that longer maternity leave would provide women with ample time to rest and contribute effectively to their workplaces while ensuring their dignity and safety.
The group emphasized that quality nutrition boosts the immune system for both children and adults, resulting in increased health and economic benefits, as healthy individuals are more productive in society.
They called on the government to secure strong commitments from community members and policymakers to facilitate the implementation of policies that enhance the well-being of citizens.
The participants urged the government to increase budgetary allocations and ensure the timely release of nutrition funds to support planned services adequately.
They also highlighted the need for timely payment of partnership counter funds, engagement of active players such as corporate bodies, and the implementation of effective nutrition policies.