The Kogi State Government has approved six months of paid maternity leave for nursing mothers and 14 days of paid paternity leave for fathers, as part of efforts to create a supportive environment for breastfeeding and early childhood development.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adeiza Abdulazeez, announced the policy on Monday in Lokoja during an event to mark the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), themed “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems.”
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Steven Momoh, the commissioner said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to maternal and child health, and aligns with global calls for strong community support for breastfeeding mothers.
According to Abdulazeez, the paid parental leave will enable nursing mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months—offering infants the best nutrition and protection against childhood diseases. He added that the inclusion of paternity leave will allow fathers to bond with their newborns and support their partners during the crucial early stages of parenting.
“This policy marks a significant step toward building a breastfeeding-friendly environment across Kogi State,” he said. “It shows our administration’s dedication to supporting working parents and promoting optimal infant feeding practices.”
He noted that breastfeeding offers numerous benefits, including aiding maternal recovery, reducing the risk of certain cancers, and naturally spacing pregnancies. For babies, it promotes healthy physical and mental development and strengthens immunity.
The commissioner urged religious and traditional leaders to support the government’s efforts and encourage breastfeeding practices within their communities.
Abdulazeez also expressed hope that Kogi’s move would inspire similar policies in other states, leading to broader national improvement in maternal and child health outcomes.
