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The Member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Moses Essien, has proposed an amendment to the state’s Public Service Rules to enhance maternity and paternity leave for civil servants.
During a House plenary session, he presented a motion titled “The Need for Extension of Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave in Akwa Ibom State Civil Service.” Hon. Essien suggested increasing maternity leave from 16 weeks to 24 weeks and extending paternity leave from 14 days to 24 weeks.
He clarified that the motion was introduced in accordance with the existing orders and standing rules of the House, emphasizing that the current stipulations under the 2022 Public Service Rules are “grossly inadequate” and do not meet international health standards.
Referencing relevant sections and rules of the House, the lawmaker pointed out that the existing 16 weeks of paid maternity leave for female employees and 14 days for male employees do not conform to global best practices.
Essien, who serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Nutrition, and Food Security, highlighted 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).
He referenced recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), emphasizing that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life improves infant nutrition, strengthens immunity, and supports maternal health.
He additionally argued that longer paternity leave would allow fathers to bond with their newborns, assist nursing mothers, and enhance family life.
The motion, which was seconded by Hon. Lawrence Udoide (Ini), received praise from the Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob, and other members, who regarded the proposal as timely and beneficial to the public.
In ruling on the motion, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, urged the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to instruct the Head of Service to issue a circular to all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for immediate implementation once the amendment is enacted.
The Speaker also called on the state government to establish creches and childcare facilities within MDAs to promote work-life balance for nursing mothers. He directed the House Committees on Labour and Productivity and Health to oversee compliance in collaboration with the Office of the Head of Service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What changes are being proposed for maternity and paternity leave in Akwa Ibom State?
Hon. Moses Essien has proposed extending maternity leave from 16 weeks to 24 weeks and paternity leave from 14 days to 24 weeks.
Why are these changes necessary?
The current provisions are considered inadequate and do not meet international health standards, which impacts maternal and infant health.
What support did the motion receive?
The motion received support from various members of the House, including the Leader of the House, who described it as timely and beneficial to the public.
