The Niger State House of Assembly has adopted a motion calling on the State Government to review the State Civil Service Rules in order to incorporate the new maternity leave structure as provided for in the Public Service Rules of the Federation in the country.
The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Afiniki Eunice Dauda, (Gurara) who moved the motion during plenary said in 2021, the Head of Service of the Federation announced the review of maternity leave from 12 weeks to 16 weeks, while paternity leave of two weeks was also introduced in November 2022.
Dauda observed that while other states have reviewed their rules to incorporate the new Public Service Rules, Niger State was yet to do so.
She said, “Except we incorporate this new rule, the benefits contained as advocated by WHO and UNICEF on exclusive breastfeeding cannot be gained.”
Members of the House took time to deliberate on the motion and afterwards, unanimously adopted the prayers.
The lawmakers then mandated the House Committees on Labour, Productivity, Health and Nutrition/ PHC, Women Affairs, Humanitarian and Disaster Management and that of Judiciary to interface with the office of the Head of Service on the need to review the rules and report back to the House.
