The Bauchi State Government has announced its approval of the long-agitated six months’ paid leave, breastfeeding corners, and nursing mother-friendly working environments to encourage exclusive breastfeeding and promote maternal welfare after childbirth.

Development partners such as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other civil society organisations (CSOs) have been advocating for six months’ paid leave, a good working environment, and less workload for lactating mothers.

It is said that the state has a low exclusive breastfeeding practice of 26 per cent. Speaking at a press briefing to commemorate the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week, the UNICEF Chief of the Bauchi Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, highlighted the importance of breastfeeding in ensuring good nutrition and the survival of children.

According to her, there is a need to promote the “1-6-24” formula, explaining that, “It involves initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and continued breastfeeding for up to 24 months.”

She noted that many mothers in Bauchi face challenges in breastfeeding due to a lack of support from their families, communities, and employers.

Meanwhile, after the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting on Monday, the Head of Service, Barr. Mohammed Sani Umaru, said that the Council has “graciously approved the six months’ paid leave for nursing mothers working with the government.

“Also, we are working with other relevant ministries like health to provide adequate breastfeeding corners at the workplace. After the expiration of the leave, we have also recommended that nursing mothers’ workload be lessened to allow them to breastfeed their children.”