The Bauchi State House of Assembly has been urged to approve the proposed six-month maternity leave for breastfeeding mothers in the state.
The call was made by the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration held in Bauchi.
Mohammed said the policy had already been approved by the State Executive Council nearly a year ago but still requires legislative backing to become law.
According to him, the proposed law is aimed at strengthening maternal and child health by giving nursing mothers enough time to practise exclusive breastfeeding.
He explained that the policy would also introduce workplace support for mothers, including the establishment of crèches where nursing mothers can keep and breastfeed their babies during working hours, as well as flexible working arrangements.
He noted that the International Women’s Day commemoration provides an opportunity for stakeholders to assess progress on women-related policies and ensure that gender issues remain a priority in governance.
He identified early marriage, teenage pregnancy and school dropouts among girls as some of the major challenges affecting women and girls in the state.
According to him, many girls who leave school early often face health complications during childbirth, adding the need for greater engagement with communities, institutions and local governments to address discrimination against women.
He also highlighted the vulnerability of women during crises such as conflicts and displacement, noting that widows and displaced women often face psychological trauma.
Mohammed disclosed that the state recently secured funding support of about 4.5 million Canadian dollars for a five-year programme aimed at promoting gender equality, adolescent development and gender mainstreaming.
Also speaking, the Chief of Field at the Bauchi Field Office of the United Nations Children’s Fund, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, said International Women’s Day serves as a reminder that women’s rights should be protected every day.
She noted that discussions during the event focused on improving access to justice, protection and essential services for women and adolescent girls.
Rafique expressed concern over maternal and child health indicators in the state, including high maternal mortality, child mortality, malnutrition and teenage pregnancy.
