Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has approved an extension of maternity leave for nursing mothers in the state civil service from 16 weeks to six months.
In addition, the Governor also approved a three-week paternity leave for male civil servants whose spouses deliver babies.
The approval was contained in a circular issued by the Head of Service, Mr. Benson Ojiekere, who disclosed that the new policy takes effect from August 18, 2025.
According to the circular:
“The duration for maternity leave for female civil servants in the Abia State Civil Service is hereby increased to six (6) months, from the sixteen (16) weeks previously approved by the State Government.”
The directive further mandated all Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments, and Directors-General to ensure strict compliance and cascade the information to all officers under their supervision.
