The Abia State Government has introduced a progressive new parental leave policy, granting six months of paid maternity leave for nursing mothers and three weeks of paternity leave for fathers.
The announcement was made by the First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, during the World Breastfeeding Week celebration at the Abia State Children’s Specialist Hospital in Umuahia.
Mrs. Otti explained that the extended maternity leave aims to support exclusive breastfeeding and allow mothers proper time to bond with their newborns.
The three-week paternity leave is designed to help fathers participate in early childcare and assist with domestic responsibilities.
She emphasised that these measures will promote family harmony and create a more supportive environment for working parents.
As part of the state’s commitment to mother-friendly workplaces, Mrs. Otti unveiled a newly equipped creche at the State High Court headquarters, with another facility under construction at the state secretariat. These creches will provide safe spaces for nursing mothers to care for their infants while at work.
The Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Uche, highlighted the importance of breastfeeding for child development and called it a shared societal responsibility. He noted that breast milk provides complete nutrition for infants and helps build their immunity.
This policy positions Abia State as a leader in family-friendly labor reforms, setting a new standard for parental support in Nigeria.
The initiative aligns with this year’s World Breastfeeding Week theme, “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” emphasizing the long-term benefits for children, families, and society.
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