Hadiza Balarabe, deputy governor of Kaduna state
The Kaduna state government has approved six months of maternity leave for female civil servants to encourage exclusive breastfeeding.
Hadiza Balarabe, deputy governor of the state, announced the policy on Monday at an event to mark the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week.
The gathering, which held in Kaduna, was attended by development partners, civil society organisations, and officials of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Balarabe also launched the ‘First 1,000 Days of Life’ initiative, a programme aimed at promoting child survival, nutrition, and optimal development.
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She said the policy aligns with the human capital development goals of the Uba Sani-led administration.
The deputy governor, who is also a medical doctor, said exclusive breastfeeding reduces the risk of childhood diseases, lowers healthcare costs, and improves cognitive outcomes in infants.
“The initiative will ensure every pregnant woman and child under two in Kaduna state receives adequate nutrition, healthcare, responsive caregiving, vaccinations, clean water, and birth registration,” she said.
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Balarabe also called on political leaders, traditional and religious institutions, civil society groups, employers, and families to support breastfeeding mothers.
In his remarks, Umma Ahmed, commissioner for health in the state, said the ministry has established a crèche at its headquarters to support nursing mothers.
