CS-SUNN presses Yobe Govt on maternity leave extension, nutrition funding

By Ahmed Isah

Damaturu, Jan. 16, The Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) has renewed advocacy in Yobe for extension of maternity leave to six months and release of counterpart nutrition funding.

The advocacy team undertook visits to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Office of the Head of Service and the Yobe State House of Assembly between Jan. 14 and Jan. 16.

The delegation also reintroduced newly elected executives of CS-SUNN in Yobe and followed up on earlier submissions to relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

Officials of the visited institutions assured the team that the requests had been transmitted to Gov. Mai Mala Buni for consideration, adding that an official response would be communicated in due course.

The team was led by the CS-SUNN state coordinator and included the secretary, chairperson advocacy leads, chairperson capacity building and other members.

CS-SUNN explained that the advocacy focused on extending maternity leave for breastfeeding mothers from three to six months, alongside timely release of counterpart funding for nutrition programmes.

According to the group, improved maternity leave conditions would enhance maternal wellbeing and child nutrition outcomes across the state.

CS-SUNN is a non-governmental, non-profit alliance working to mobilise non-state actors, generate evidence, build capacity and strengthen community action to scale up nutrition in Nigeria.

Yobe is among seven states where CS-SUNN commenced operations in February 2024, with emphasis on advocacy, budget tracking and monitoring of nutrition financing.

The three-day advocacy involved 10 members and two media personnel and was described by the group as successful in delivering its objectives.