The member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Moses Essien has called for an upward review of maternity and paternity leave for civil servants, citing growing responsibilities placed on parents in caring for newborns.
Presenting a motion titled: “The Need for Extension of Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave in Akwa Ibom State Civil Service,” Essien urged an amendment to the state’s public service rules to extend maternity leave from 16 weeks to 24 weeks, and paternity leave from 14 days to 24 weeks.
He noted that the motion was moved in accordance with the House’s extant orders and standing rules, stressing that the current provisions under the 2022 Public Service Rules were “grossly inadequate and below international health standards.”
According to Essien, “the present 16 weeks of paid maternity leave for female officers and 14 days for male officers do not align with global best practices.”
The Chairman, House Committee on Health, Nutrition and Food Security further pointed out that several states, including Abia, Bauchi, Lagos, Ekiti, Enugu, Kaduna, Kwara, Niger, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau, and Cross River, have already extended both maternity and paternity leave to six months (24 weeks).
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Citing recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the lawmaker emphasized that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months “enhances infant nutrition, boosts immunity, and supports maternal well-being.”
He also argued that longer paternity leave would allow fathers to bond with their babies, support nursing mothers, and strengthen family life.
The motion, seconded by Lawrence Udoide (Ini State Constituency), received widespread commendation from members, including the Leader of the House, Otobong Bob (Nsit Ubium), who described the proposal as both timely and people-oriented.
Ruling on the motion, the Speaker, Udeme Otong, urged Governor Umo Eno to direct the state head of the civil service to issue a circular to all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) “for immediate implementation once the amendment takes effect.”
He further called on the government to establish crèches and childcare facilities within MDAs to enhance work-life balance for nursing mothers.
The speaker also mandated the House Committees on Labour and Productivity, as well as Health, to monitor compliance in collaboration with the office of the head of service.
