The commissioner, Ministry of Health and Human Services, Benue state, Dr Yanimar Ortese, Monday stated that the Benue state government is considering a proposal to extend paid maternity leave from three to six months.
The director of Public Health, Esther Menger, stated this on behalf of the commissioner during a visit by the Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), to the ministry in Makurdi, the state capital.
Menger stated that the policy would be implemented, adding that the government is committed to supporting working mothers.
The commissioner added that extending paid maternal leave in the state is crucial, particularly given the lack of dedicated facilities in government offices for nursing mothers to care for their infants during breastfeeding.
He said the situation will make it challenging for working mothers to achieve the recommended six months of exclusive breastfeeding for their newborns.
He stated that a memo has been submitted to the governor and is awaiting response and presentation at the state executive council.
“The proposal aims to provide better support for breastfeeding mothers, who currently lack facilities in various offices to care for their children,” he added.