In a significant policy shift aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes, the Delta State Government has announced plans to implement a six-month maternity leave policy for working mothers across the state. The decision was unveiled during the closing ceremony of the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week celebrations held at Ogbeogologo Primary Healthcare Centre in Asaba.
State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojame, revealed the new initiative while addressing a gathering of nursing mothers, healthcare workers, and government officials. Represented by Dr. Paul Yinkori, Executive Director of the Delta State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, the commissioner emphasized the administration’s commitment to meeting World Health Organization (WHO) standards for exclusive breastfeeding.
“Delta State is taking concrete steps to support our mothers through policy reforms,” Dr. Onojame stated. “The six-month maternity leave will be implemented alongside breastfeeding support groups and public education campaigns to address misconceptions about infant nutrition.”
The announcement comes as Delta State currently records a 27% exclusive breastfeeding rate, significantly below the WHO’s recommended 50% target. Health experts at the event stressed that extended maternity leave has been proven to increase breastfeeding duration and improve child health outcomes.
Dr. Yinkori explained that the comprehensive approach would include promoting early initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, maintaining exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and continuing with complementary breastfeeding up to two years of age.
The policy shift aligns Delta State with global best practices and follows similar moves by other progressive states in Nigeria. Implementation details are being finalized in collaboration with labor unions and private sector stakeholders to ensure smooth adoption across all workplaces.
UNICEF representatives present at the event praised the initiative, noting that adequate maternity protection is crucial for achieving optimal breastfeeding rates. The international organization has been working with 12 Nigerian states, including Delta, to improve infant and young child feeding practices.
Healthcare professionals at the ceremony demonstrated proper breastfeeding techniques while addressing common challenges faced by new mothers. The event also featured testimonies from mothers who successfully practiced exclusive breastfeeding, highlighting its benefits for both infant health and maternal wellbeing.
As the policy takes shape, the Delta State Ministry of Health plans to launch a statewide awareness campaign to educate employers and employees about the new maternity provisions and their public health benefits.
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