The Niger State Ministry of Information and Orientation has pledged strategic media support to promote the newly approved six-month paid maternity leave policy.
The commitment followed an advocacy visit by the Civil Society–Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (SUN CSA Nigeria), Niger State Chapter, to the Ministry in Minna. The extended leave, recently adopted by Niger State, aligned with reforms in other subnational governments aimed at promoting exclusive breastfeeding and reducing child malnutrition.
The Ministry emphasized the critical role of clear and timely communication in ensuring public understanding and acceptance of the policy.
SUN CSA Nigeria State Coordinator, Aisha Wakaso, had appealed for the Ministry to leverage its platforms to highlight the policy’s benefits for maternal and child health.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Obed Nuhu Nana, Permanent Secretary Dr. Baba Alhaji Uthman reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to support the initiative within its statutory mandate of information dissemination. While operational enforcement remained the responsibility of other implementing authorities, the Ministry will ensure citizens are well-informed across the state.
The engagement showcased the pivotal role of strategic communication in promoting key government policies and enhancing maternal and child welfare in Niger State.
