The Niger State Ministry of Information and Orientation has reaffirmed its commitment to providing strategic publicity and communication support for the implementation of the newly approved six-month paid maternity leave policy.
This assurance followed an advocacy visit by the Civil Society–Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (SUN CSA Nigeria), Niger State Chapter, to the Ministry in Minna.
It will be recalled that some sub- nationals in Nigeria recently extended maternity leave for working mothers from three to six months, a policy now being implemented by the Niger State Government.
Public health stakeholders have described the extension as a major step toward promoting exclusive breastfeeding and reducing child malnutrition.
During the engagement, the State Coordinator of SUN CSA Nigeria, Aisha Wakaso appealed to the Ministry to leverage its platforms to raise public awareness on the policy and its far-reaching benefits for maternal and child health.
Responding, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Obed Nuhu Nana, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Baba Alhaji Uthman, reiterated the Ministry’s readiness to support the initiative within its statutory mandate of public information management and dissemination.
Dr. Uthman emphasized that while the enforcement and operational aspects of the policy fall under the appropriate implementing authorities, the Ministry’s role remains to ensure that clear, accurate, and timely information is effectively communicated to citizens across the state.
The meeting highlighted the critical role of strategic communication in enhancing public understanding, fostering acceptance, and ensuring successful implementation of key government policies.
Yunusa Saidu Ibrahim, Director Information Services, Ministry of Information and Orientation.