The Wife of the Niger State Governor, Hajia Fatima Bago, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has called on women across the state to embrace exclusive breastfeeding, as current figures reveal that only 15.7 percent of mothers practise it.
Delivering a goodwill message in Minna at the official flag-off of the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week, Chief of the UNICEF Kaduna Field Office, Dr Gerida Birukila—represented by Health Specialist, Dr Ahmed Tsofo—expressed concern over the low breastfeeding rates in the state.
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He noted that while the national average for exclusive breastfeeding stands at 34 percent, Niger State falls significantly below with just 15.7 percent adherence.
“As UNICEF, we continue to advocate for the implementation of a six-month maternity leave policy across all states,” he said.
“So far, only 10 states, including Niger State, have approved the six-month maternity leave with full pay. We are supporting all levels of government to ensure full implementation, as this is key to improving breastfeeding rates.”
While officially flagging off the week-long campaign, Hajia Fatima Bago urged nursing mothers to commit to exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of their child’s life.
“Breastfeeding not only protects children from diseases but also serves as a natural method of family planning. We also encourage mothers to continue breastfeeding up to 23 months,” she said.
As part of the awareness drive, UNICEF’s U-Report Team Lead, Aisha Ndagi, led a community sensitisation exercise in Tunga Ward, Minna, to educate women on the critical benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.
Speaking on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for Primary Health Care, Dr Ibrahim Dangana—represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Mohammed Gana—confirmed that Niger State had fully implemented the six-month paid maternity leave policy.
He said, “The State Executive Council has approved and gazetted the policy, and it is already in practice to support breastfeeding mothers across the state.”