The Katsina State Government has introduced “Iddah Period Law”, to enable female civil servants to stay home for four months and ten days should they lose their husbands.
Islamically, Iddah Period is observed when a woman loses her husband.
The Katsina State Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Falalu Bawale disclosed this in an interview with Channels Television on Monday.
According to him, the introduction of the new law came after the State House of Assembly passed a motion, seeking the state government to look into the issue of Iddah Period which was graciously approved by the Executive Arm, working on recommendations tabled by the Executive Council Members.
He added that a circular has already been issued to all the ministries, departments and agencies in the State to grant female officers the chance and liberty to observe Iddah period when the need arises.
“We decided to take the issue before the National Council on establishment so that it can be included in the civil service rules where women who lost their husbands will be allowed to stay and observe the Iddah period after the death of her husband.
“The council said, all states have the liberty to go and make a rule that suits their purpose. So we can come back here and present the issue before the state executive council, if it’s approved then it can be implemented.
“So we drafted a memo and presented it before the state executive council which the council graciously approved and considered our recommendations.
“We have now issued a circular to all ministries, departments and agencies to grant female officers the chance to observe Iddah period. It has now become a law”, he said.
Meanwhile, a similar bill seeking to allow widows and widowers to take leave with full pay to mourn deceased spouses has passed the second reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill, sponsored by Saidu Abdulahi (APC, Niger).
The legislation is proposing to make paid leave mandatory for widows and widowers. For widows, the bill proposes five months and one month for a widower.
“A widow is eligible for five months widowhood leave, while a widower is eligible for one month leave, both with full pay. This bill shall apply to employees of both public and private sectors of the federation,” the proposal reads.
In one of the debates on the bill at the plenary in March 2024, Abdulahi said widows and widowers deserve the right to mourn their departed loved ones away from work.
“By introducing widowhood Leave, we acknowledge the unique challenges faced by widows and widowers and provide them with the necessary time and space to grieve, seek counselling, and adjust to the new realities. This support can significantly contribute to their emotional healing and overall resilience.
“It allows widows to focus on caring for their children and other family members who may be dependent on them during this challenging time.
“It also allows widows to fulfil some religious and cultural obligations. For example, a Muslim widow is expected to perform iddah (waiting period) for a period of four months and 10 days. During this period, she would not be expected to attend any function outside her home and she is not required to interface with any man that is not her immediate relation,” Mr Saidu said.
Speaking in support of the bill, Ademorin Kuye (APC, Lagos), said the bill would provide the legal framework for an existing cultural practice in Nigeria.
When the bill was put to question by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, the lawmakers voted to pass it for second reading. The speaker then referred to the relevant committee for further legislative action.
