FG urged to approve 16 weeks fully paid maternity leave nationwide

The Nigerian Women in Leadership (WIL) Coalition has urged the federal and state governments to adopt a national parental leave framework that guarantees a minimum of 16 weeks of fully paid maternity leave and two weeks of fully paid paternity leave across all sectors. Currently, Nigeria’s leave policy provides only 12 weeks of maternity leave […]

The Nigerian Women in Leadership (WIL) Coalition has urged the federal and state governments to adopt a national parental leave framework that guarantees a minimum of 16 weeks of fully paid maternity leave and two weeks of fully paid paternity leave across all sectors.
Currently, Nigeria’s leave policy provides only 12 weeks of maternity leave at half pay, a system stakeholders describe as inadequate and inequitable.
Speaking at the launch of the Best Start campaign at the Ministry of Labour in Abuja, parents, advocates, and policy stakeholders said the existing framework places undue burden on families and limits economic productivity.
“There is no national standard for paternity leave, and maternity leave provisions remain insufficient. What we have are fragmented rules across states and employers,” said Ekimini Akpapan, Executive Secretary of Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR).
The coalition called for the adoption of a unified parent leave framework applicable to federal, state, and private sector employers, backed by clear enforcement mechanisms to eliminate inconsistencies.
They also called for legal protection against pregnancy and caregiving discrimination, transparent public reporting on employer compliance, and a structured plan to extend parental leave protections to informal sector workers over time.
“As a grandmother, my daughter had to return to work after just 12 weeks on 50 per cent pay. That period is not enough for recovery, and it ultimately affects productivity,” said Priscilla Shinshima, a nurse.
Joshua Chinedu said, “Two weeks of paternity leave is essential. It allows fathers to support mothers and build a stronger bond with their newborn.”
Tolu Abdul, Senior Programme Officer at the Nigerian Governors Forum, noted that evidence shows parental leave policies enhance retention rather than reduce productivity.
“As we all know, talent stays where care is supported,” he said.