The UNICEF building in Geneva.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on private sector employers in Nigeria to adopt a minimum of six months maternity leave for their female employees, aligning with global health recommendations aimed at promoting exclusive breastfeeding and improved child health.

Advocacy for Infant Health and Workplace Support

Speaking at an event to commemorate World Breastfeeding Week 2025, UNICEF emphasized the importance of workplace policies that support working mothers. The agency noted that exclusive breastfeeding for six months significantly improves the health, cognitive development, and survival of infants.

“Supportive breastfeeding policies in the workplace are not just a moral obligation but an investment in the health of our future generations,” said Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria.

UNICEF acknowledged that while many public institutions have adopted the six-month maternity leave recommendation, the private sector still lags behind, offering only the legally required 12 weeks or less in many cases.

Benefits to Mothers, Babies, and the Economy

The agency noted that longer maternity leave allows mothers to recover fully from childbirth and bond with their babies while providing the essential nutrition needed during early life. It also helps reduce infant mortality, workplace stress, and improves staff productivity and retention.

UNICEF highlighted that companies that adopt family-friendly policies often enjoy enhanced employee loyalty, lower turnover, and improved workplace morale.

Call for Policy Reform

UNICEF called on business leaders and human resource managers to review current policies and integrate breastfeeding-friendly environments in their offices, including:

• On-site or nearby creches
• Breastfeeding breaks
• Flexible work arrangements
• Facilities for expressing and storing breast milk