By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
Chairman of Akwa Ibom Assembly House Committee on Health, Nutrition and Food Security, Mr Moses Essien has called for an amendment to the state’s Public Service Rules to extend maternity and paternity leave for civil servants.
Presenting a motion during the House plenary, titled “The Need for Extension of Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave in Akwa Ibom State Civil Service,” yesterday in Uyo, Essien proposed that maternity leave be increased from 16 weeks to 24 weeks, and paternity leave from 14 days to 24 weeks.
He explained that the motion was brought pursuant to the extant orders and standing rules of the House, adding that the current provisions under the 2022 Public Service Rules were “grossly inadequate” and below international health standards.
Citing relevant sections and rules of the House, the lawmaker who represents Ibiono Ibom constituency noted that the present 16 weeks of paid maternity leave for female officers and 14 days for male officers do not align with global best practices.
Easien 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 leaves to six months (24 weeks).
The Lawmaker cited recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), stressing that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life enhances infant nutrition, boosts immunity, and supports maternal well-being.
He further argued that extended paternity leave would enable fathers to bond with their newborns, assist nursing mothers, and strengthen family life.
The motion, seconded by Mr Lawrence Udoide drew commendations from the Leader of the House, Barr Otobong Bob, and other members, who all described the proposal as timely and people-oriented.
Ruling on the motion, House Speaker Udeme Otong, urged Governor Umo Eno, to direct the Head of Service to issue a circular to all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for immediate implementation once the amendment is effected
Otong also called on the state government to establish creches and childcare facilities within MDAs to promote work-life balance for nursing mothers, directing the House Committees on Labour and Productivity and Health to monitor compliance in collaboration with the Office of the Head of Service.
