Abia Government Moves to Approve Six Months Maternity Leave, Three Weeks for Fathers

In a bold policy move aimed at strengthening family bonds and supporting child health, the Abia State Government is considering the approval of six months paid maternity leave for nursing mothers and three weeks paternity leave for fathers.

This was disclosed by the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, during an event to mark the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week, held at the Abia State Children’s Specialist Hospital, Umuahia.

According to Mrs. Otti, the proposed leave extension is part of the state’s broader efforts to create mother-friendly workplace policies and promote exclusive breastfeeding. The First Lady noted that allowing both parents to spend meaningful time with their newborns will help in family bonding, reduce stress, and promote peace and harmony in homes.

“We are working on ensuring that nursing mothers get six months of paid maternity leave, and fathers whose wives give birth may get three weeks. This is not just about health — it’s about building stronger families,” she said.

Mrs. Otti also commissioned a newly renovated creche facility at the High Court Complex in Umuahia, which she said was personally furnished to ensure the environment is safe, welcoming, and functional for young children. She announced that another creche is currently under development at the State Secretariat in Ogurube Layout.

This year’s World Breastfeeding Week, themed “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems”, aligns with the state’s commitment to improve child and maternal health outcomes. Mrs. Otti described breastfeeding as a natural and powerful tool for providing optimal nutrition, adding that it also plays a role in environmental sustainability.

“When breastfeeding is protected and supported, we build a healthier generation and contribute to a more sustainable future,” she added.

Also speaking at the event, Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, highlighted the nutritional importance of breast milk, stating that it contains all the essential nutrients needed by infants and lays the foundation for healthy growth.

The Executive Secretary of the Abia State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Kalu Ulu Kalu, expressed concern over the declining rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the state. He emphasized that despite its well-documented health and economic benefits, many mothers are still hesitant to embrace it.

“It’s disheartening that many women continue to shun exclusive breastfeeding. The government is committed to changing that through education, healthcare support, and community outreach,” Dr. Kalu said.

The maternity and paternity leave policy is expected to be formalized soon, pending government approval. Meanwhile, the state is rolling out community health awareness campaigns and support infrastructure, such as creches and mother-friendly policies, to drive higher breastfeeding compliance rates.