The Oyo State House of Assembly has proposed the introduction of paternity leave for male workers in both the state civil service and the private sector, urging government approval.
The initiative aims to strengthen family bonds and provide additional support for newborns during the critical early stages of life.
The motion, raised during a plenary session led by Deputy Speaker Hon. Abiodun Fadeyi, was presented by Hon. Olorunpoto Rahman, representing Oyo East and West State Constituency. Hon. Rahman emphasized the importance of the father’s role in nurturing a newborn, particularly in building emotional, social, and cognitive development.
He further explained that the proposed paternity leave would allow fathers to support their partners during the recovery period following childbirth, promoting gender equality and shared parenting responsibilities.
The lawmaker also pointed out that many countries and states have already adopted similar policies, yielding positive outcomes such as increased productivity and enhanced family cohesion. He mentioned that paternity leave is currently in practice in the Federal Civil Service as well as in Lagos and Enugu States.
The lawmakers discussed the potential drawbacks of not having paternity leave in Oyo, which could prevent fathers from offering essential emotional and practical support during the postnatal period.
In their recommendation, the House proposed that the paternity leave should last a minimum of 10 working days and be available up to three times throughout a worker’s service year. Additionally, the leave should be taken within the first month of childbirth or adoption to ensure fathers have adequate time to bond with their newborns and support their families.
“Many countries and states have adopted Paternity leave policy, and it has helped in boosting the morale and improved productivity at the same time fostering family cohesion and stability. He revealed further that the leave is being operated at the Federal civil service as well as Lagos and Enugu States.”
