By: John Bassey, Zamfara.

A popular None Governmental Organization NGO, championing the course of effective and efficient nutrition in Nigeria, Civil Society – Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria has advocated for six months maternity leave for Nursing mother’s, urging Zamfara state Government to take the lead and change the narratives in Nigeria.

The NGO made the call on Tuesday during its breakfast meeting organized in Gusau the state capital

At the meeting, CS-SUNN urged Zamfara State Government to change the narratives by adopting and signing into law the proposed six-month maternity leave policy in the state.

In his words, a member of the Steering Committee of CS-SUNN, Mr Silas Spencer Ideva, Commended the efforts of the Zamfara State Government for the prompt release of the N500 million 2025 counterpart fund in the state.

While declaring the breakfast meeting open, the first Lady of the Zamfara State, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, stated that good nutrition is not just about food on the table; it is about the health of mothers, the strength of children, the productivity of the workforce, and the future of Zamfara State.

Represented by the Permanent Member, Local Government Service Commission, Hajiya Hussaina Sani, the Governor’s Wife commended CS-SUNN for its commitment to the betterment of women and children in the state.

Her words, “I sincerely commend CS-SUNN for bringing us together to deliberate on an issue that lies at the very heart of human development.

Good nutrition is not just about food on the table; it’s about the health of our mothers, the strength of our children, the productivity of our workforce, and the future of our state”.

“In Zamfara State, we are fully aware that malnutrition remains a serious public health challenge. Based on reports, some of our children are still affected by stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies.

“Mothers struggle with inadequate nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding. These realities threaten not only individual lives but also the social and economic development of our dear state.”

According to her, due to the urgent need to address the issue, she led an advocacy engagement meeting on the six-month maternity leave for female civil servants with His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State.

Also speaking, the Zamfara State Head of Civil Service, Yakubu Sani Haidara, mni, disclosed that the state government is working towards the implementation of improved child nutrition initiatives and a six-month maternity leave policy for civil servants in the state.

The breakfast meeting was attended by the Zamfara CS-SUNN Coordinator, Comrade Kabiru Isah Jangeru; the Deputy Coordinator, Ambassador Musa Umar Aboki; representatives from CSOs, line ministries, MDAs, and members of the media in the state.