In the public sector, employees who lose their spouses are typically granted up to 14 days of leave. However, a new bill aiming to enhance worker welfare has made significant strides in the House of Representatives.
Presented by Rep. Saidu Abdullahi (APC-Niger), the bill proposes granting both male and female workers a five-month leave period following the loss of their spouses. This move is intended to align Nigeria with global standards in worker support, as similar laws are already in place in many countries.
Abdullahi emphasized that the legislation seeks to address the crucial need to assist individuals navigating the challenging period of widowhood. While current public sector regulations offer a 14-day leave for spousal loss, Abdullahi highlighted cultural and religious practices in Nigeria that suggest this may be insufficient.
He pointed out that cultural norms, such as the mourning period lasting up to three months in Eastern Nigeria and four months in Islam, should be considered when determining leave allowances. With this context in mind, granting widowers 30 days and widows five months of widowhood leave appears to be a reasonable approach.
In response to Abdullahi’s presentation, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas referred the bill to the House Committee on Public Sector Reforms for further legislative deliberations. This move indicates the bill’s potential for shaping policy reforms aimed at better supporting grieving employees in the public sector.
