Abia Government Approves Six Months Paid Maternity Leave, Three Weeks For Fathers

The Abia State Government has approved six months of paid maternity leave for nursing mothers and three weeks for fathers to support child care and family bonding.

The announcement was made by the First Lady of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, during the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week celebration at the Abia State Children’s Specialist Hospital in Umuahia.

She explained that the initiative aims to promote exclusive breastfeeding and strengthen family ties, especially in the early stages of a child’s life. Mrs. Otti urged fathers to take full advantage of the paternity leave to assist their wives with domestic responsibilities and actively participate in caring for their newborns.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to creating mother-friendly workplace environments, the First Lady revealed plans to establish creches in both public and private institutions across the state.

She also emphasized the economic and health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding and encouraged nursing mothers to embrace the practice fully.