By Ahmed Ahmed
Barrister Habibu Umar, the member representing Kirfi Constituency in the Bauchi State House of Assembly, has urged the state government to extend maternity leave from three to six months and establish designated nursing rooms in workplaces to encourage breastfeeding.
Presenting the motion during plenary, Barrister Umar emphasized that the health and well-being of mothers and children are crucial for national development and societal progress.
He argued that the current three-month statutory leave is inadequate for working mothers to fully recover from childbirth and provide exclusive breastfeeding to their newborns.
Citing scientific research and global best practices, he highlighted that extended maternity leave improves maternal health, enhances child development, and yields long-term economic benefits, including reduced healthcare costs and increased workforce productivity.
The lawmaker pointed out that several countries have successfully implemented six-month paid maternity leave policies, leading to healthier children, lower infant mortality rates, and greater job satisfaction among working mothers.
He urged the state government, through the ministries of health and women affairs, to collaborate with public and private sector employers for the seamless adoption of this policy.
Umar also recommended that workplaces adopt supportive policies such as flexible work schedules, on-site childcare facilities, and dedicated nursing rooms to create a more accommodating environment for nursing mothers.
During the debate, several assembly members commended the motion, acknowledging its potential benefits for women, particularly working mothers.
Supporting the proposal, Ibrahim Tanko, the member representing Burra Constituency, suggested that similar considerations be made for men in terms of paternity leave.
In his ruling, Speaker Abubakar Sulaiman directed the Clerk of the House to formally communicate the resolution to the executive arm of government for further action.
