The Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), with support from UNICEF and in collaboration with other nutrition partners have long championed the cause of nutrition in Nigeria, focusing on securing policy commitments that enhance the health and well-being of mothers and children. A significant stride in this cause was made during a one-day policy dialogue and advocacy visit to key policymakers in Benue State, aimed at extending paid maternity leave from three to six months and increasing the state’s nutrition budget.
Addressing Critical Issues: The Need for Extended Maternity Leave and Enhanced Nutrition Funding.
Malnutrition is a critical issue in Nigeria, with devastating effects on child development and national productivity. The National Food Consumption and Micronutrient Survey (NFCMS) 2021 revealed alarming statistics: 33% of children under five are stunted, 12% are wasted, and 62% suffer from anemia. These conditions not only jeopardize the lives of children but also lead to long-term cognitive impairments and ultimately reduced economic productivity.
Despite robust policies, the full operationalization of Nigeria’s food and nutrition strategies has been hindered by inadequate funding. Changing this requires strong political commitment, which will translate into adequate financing and supportive policies. To address these challenges, CS-SUNN and UNICEF organized a critical engagement with Benue State’s policymakers, aiming to secure their commitment to two key objectives: extending paid maternity leave to six months and increasing the nutrition budget.
Engagement Highlights: A Meeting of Minds for a more nutritious future
The policy dialogue took place at the Benue State Ministry of Health’s conference hall, drawing key stakeholders including commissioners from various ministries, members of the State House of Assembly, and traditional leaders. The meeting, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Planning, began with goodwill messages from stakeholders, expressing eagerness to support the cause of improved nutrition in the state.
Presentations during the session emphasized the importance of maternity protection for productivity, highlighting the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding and the critical need for adequate nutrition funding. A detailed analysis of the state’s nutrition budget revealed a 90% deficit, underscoring the urgency of the advocacy efforts.
Commitments Made: A Promising Future for Maternal and Child Health in Benue State
The policy dialogue was followed by advocacy visits to key government offices, where significant commitments were secured:
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Planning emphasized the importance of nutrition in state budgets and committed to ensuring nutrition is well-represented in future proposals. Head of Service, Benue State expressed strong interest in CS-SUNN’s activities and pledged full cooperation in achieving the project’s objectives. Various commissioners, including those from the Ministries of Finance and Education, committed to advocating for the six-month maternity leave extension and enhancing the state’s nutrition budget. They expressed readiness to push relevant bills through the State House of Assembly and to collaborate on the necessary documentations to this effect.
Testimonials from participating Key Stakeholders
Tori Lobi, a Traditional Leader said “all I need is a draft copy of the bill on the extension of paid maternity leave to six months. I will present it to the Speaker of the House of Assembly and ask them to pass it.”
For the Director General, Benue State Ministry of Budget and Planning “The aspects of increasing maternity leave may not be our part but increasing the budget is our aspect and we will work diligently on it. The extension will affect the state budget and on this we will also come in to ensure everything is in order. As you’re aware, all MDA budget proposals are submitted here, and we will look out to ensure nutrition is well captured in the budget from the MDAs. We will emphasize this with them and help fast track releases”
“We will do our best, we will collaborate with you so that you can attain your set objectives. The state government will key into your program and help as much as we can to reach a wider Benue society with your message on nutrition. If there are any challenges you encounter on the way which may require the government’s attention, be rest assured they will be attended to. I implore the PS and Directors to keep at best in delivery of their duties. I have a deep interest in the activity of CS-SUNN”, said Head of Service, Benue State.
In the words Hon. Commissioner, Benue state Ministry of Education, “I pledge that we will put our best into this commitment. Kindly specify the roles we need to play and we will do it. We know that our children are the future and we love to hand over to a well-nourished and good breed of offspring”.
“The Commissioner said we should come with a draft memo on the six months maternity leave, and he said he will offer to help push it for approval or for the executive order. Let’s have a document from you that captures all you ask; I will get the ministry to take it up. And when we get it to the Attorney General, he will advise if it has to go to the house for legislation” added Hon. Commissioner, Benue state Ministry of Finance.
The Secretary to the State Government, Benue State said “I fully buy in and join the advocacy for six months maternity leave. The ministry holding this should bring a memo to the government on this. I believe we are on a good cause and we will support the cause because it is for the betterment of the people of the state”.
Impact and Next Steps: Paving the Way for Sustained Advocacy
The immediate impact of the dialogue and visits was an increased awareness among policymakers of the critical need to prioritize nutrition. The advocacy efforts sparked a positive disposition and garnered positive commitments towards extending paid maternity leave and improving nutrition funding.
The momentum from this engagement will continue as the state chapter will sustain its engagement with stakeholders to ensure that the commitments made are translated into tangible actions, driving Benue State closer to achieving its nutrition and maternal health goals.
