Stakeholders in the health sector have said that improved investment in nutrition is crucial for sustainable development, economic prosperity, and the well-being of Nigerians.

They lamented that Nigeria has the second-highest number of stunted children, associated with poor brain development and reduced productivity in adulthood.
The experts are concerned that in Sokoto State, 42.8 per cent of children under five are stunted, 24.9 per cent are underweight, and six per cent are wasted and called for urgent concerted efforts to reverse the poor health indices.

In a communique issued after a meeting organised by the Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), supported by UNICEF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning Sokoto, participants emphasised the need for increased nutrition budget, as well as timely release and effective utilisation of the fund.

The meeting discussed the extension of paid maternity leave from three months to six months with full pay and raised awareness for the Child Nutrition Fund meant to secure a commitment from policymakers on the implementation of six-month maternity leave with pay for women of reproductive age. It also secured commitment for the child nutrition fund and secured commitment for adequate and prompt release of nutrition funds in Sokoto State.

The communique was jointly signed by the Head of Department, Nutrition and Dietetics, Usman Danfodio University Teaching Hospital, Prof Rabi’u Umar Aliyu, H.O.D Nutrition Department, Health Technology, Gwadabawa, Jamilu Ibrahim, Nutrition Officer.

Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning), Ishaqa Muhammad Tambuwal and the Programme Officer, CS-SUNN, Muna Nzelibe. According to them, extending paid maternity leave and improving the nutrition budget in Sokoto State will enhance the welfare of working mothers and children, promote gender equality, and foster a more supportive work environment.

Key outcomes from the meeting include that extending paid maternity leave to six months will significantly improve the health and well-being of both mothers and their infants, as longer leave periods allow for exclusive breastfeeding, which is critical for the development of the child and the health of the mother.

Also, extended maternity leave can lead to higher job satisfaction, and improved productivity, as well as strengthen family bonds. The meeting highlighted the need for the prompt release of adequate funds for nutrition activities and the need for all MDAs and partners to work closely with the Sokoto State government to ensure the smooth implementation of the extended maternity leave policy.

Stakeholders also stressed the need to ensure job security and a supportive workplace for working mothers, adding that the private sector should be carried along in the implementation of six-month paid maternity leave.

They emphasised the need for accurate documentation of data on food and nutrition for informed decision-making, and adequate monitoring and evaluation of nutrition activities in the state including the six months of paid maternity leave.