The Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria ,CS-SUNN has formally commended the Nasarawa State Government, led by His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi A. Sule, for the landmark approval of six months of paid maternity leave and 14 days of paternity leave for public servants.
This visionary policy shift makes Nasarawa the 18th state in the federation to align with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations on exclusive breastfeeding, marking a significant victory for maternal and child nutrition security in Northern Nigeria.
In a statement released on Wednesday, CS-SUNN described the approval as a “bold, visionary step” toward safeguarding the future of the state’s most vulnerable citizens.
The organization noted that the benefits extend beyond health, predicting improved workforce productivity and greater economic participation for women, which will ultimately position Nasarawa for sustainable development.
With this approval, Nasarawa joins an elite group of states,including Lagos, Kaduna, Bauchi, and Kano that have institutionalized the six-month standard. This milestone follows over a decade of evidence-based advocacy by CS-SUNN, including high-level policy dialogues with Governors, Heads of Service, and State Houses of Assembly.
The advocacy efforts, supported by the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), have already yielded tangible results in the state, including an allocation of ₦250 million to the CNF, with ₦125 million already released to drive nutrition outcomes.
CS-SUNN expressed profound appreciation for the technical and strategic support provided by UNICEF Nigeria. The collaboration,spanning joint advocacy and capacity building was cited as instrumental in elevating the nutrition agenda to the forefront of state policy.
CS-SUNN issued a three-point call to action on Full Compliance for All Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Nasarawa to ensure immediate and effective implementation. It also wants States yet to adopt this policy are urged to follow Nasarawa’s progressive lead.
Development partners are encouraged to continue backing evidence-based nutrition policies across the country.
CS-SUNN reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside the Nasarawa State Government to ensure this policy translates into measurable improvements in the health, dignity, and productivity of all citizens.
