BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, BAUCHI – In an effort towards ensuring that newborn babies receive the best motherly attention in line with the advocacy of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Bauchi State Government has approved the implementation of a six-month maternity leave for breastfeeding mothers.
This was as the State also announced the creation of Crèche centres in all Government establishments to allow nursing mothers keep their babies while on duty.
These approvals were based on the resolution of the State Executive Council (SEC) at its extra-ordinary meeting on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
The new maternity leave is for every nursing mother across all line ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) under the State Civil Service.
Mr. Mohammed Sani Umar, Head of Civil Service of Bauchi, who announced these while briefing Journalists on the outcome of the SEC meeting, said the Council also approved the elongation of the maternity leave from the initial four months to six months, which will be legislated by the State House of Assembly
Umar explained that lactating mothers will be entitled to six months leave from the date of delivery, and upon returning to work, they will have the privilege of some hours off duty.
He said the Council’s approval was based on the Civil Service Regulations under sections 1122 and 1126, adding that an establishment circular will be issued to that effect.
The Head of Service further said that the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has been directed to collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure that a conducive workplace is provided for lactating mothers, which may include crèches.
The development marked the culmination of long-standing advocacy efforts by local, national, and international civil society organizations (CSOs) in the State led by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) which had been in the forefront of the struggle in order to give nursing mothers and the new born babies a solid beginning of life in the first 1000 days.
