The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commended Nigerian mothers for their commitment to breastfeeding, revealing that over 90% of them breastfeed their children. However, the agency has called for stronger support systems to encourage exclusive breastfeeding, which remains significantly lower despite the high initiation rate.
Speaking at the launch of World Breastfeeding Week in Ambursa, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Chief of Nutrition at UNICEF Abuja, Nemat Hajeebhoy, highlighted the importance of breastfeeding in ensuring child survival and development.
“We are gathered here for one mission — to put mothers and babies first by building sustainable support systems for every mother and child in Nigeria,” Hajeebhoy stated. “Breastfeeding is not just nourishment; it’s a child’s first vaccine and the first step toward survival.”
While celebrating the encouraging statistic that over 90% of Nigerian mothers breastfeed, Hajeebhoy raised concern over the decline in exclusive breastfeeding, as shown by recent national surveys. She called on all stakeholders to act urgently to reverse this trend.
“We must act decisively. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is crucial. Stakeholders need to work together to support mothers, ensuring they can fulfil their responsibilities without barriers,” she said.
Hajeebhoy also praised Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, for approving six months of maternity leave for working mothers — a policy she described as a “bold and progressive step” toward promoting exclusive breastfeeding.
Also speaking at the event, the governor’s wife, Hajiya Nafisa Nasir-Idris, emphasized the numerous benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, including enhanced brain development, stronger immunity, and increased agility in children.
“Mothers should take exclusive breastfeeding seriously. It boosts children’s intellect and contributes to a healthier society,” she said, while also encouraging women to maintain proper hygiene to prevent diseases.
She applauded the governor’s unwavering support for women- and child-focused initiatives, especially in the area of maternal and child health.
Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Yusa Isma’il, expressed appreciation to development partners like UNICEF for their continued contributions to health and nutrition programmes in the state. He reaffirmed the government’s readiness to provide counterpart funding to sustain efforts in combating malnutrition and health challenges.
Hajiya Halima Hassan-Kamba, Commissioner for Women Affairs, echoed these sentiments, commending mothers for embracing exclusive breastfeeding. She outlined additional benefits of breastfeeding, including its role in preventing certain cancers, aiding family planning, and strengthening the bond between mother and child.
UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Sokoto, Mr. Michael Juma, urged political leaders and policymakers to prioritise breastfeeding in their health and development agendas. “Early breastfeeding is critical. It’s time breastfeeding is taken seriously at all levels of decision-making,” he said.
As part of efforts to encourage breastfeeding practices, Hajiya Nafisa Nasir-Idris donated gift packages — including bags of rice, children’s clothing, and ₦10,000 — to 20 mothers who had practiced exclusive breastfeeding. Pregnant women also received support items, while all other women present received bags of rice as an incentive to further promote breastfeeding in the community.
