FG Rallies Nation To Prioritise Breastfeeding As Key To Health, Nutrition, and Climate Goals
The Federal Government has reiterated its strong commitment to promoting breastfeeding as a vital tool for improving health outcomes, boosting national development, and building a more climate-resilient Nigeria.
Speaking during the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week celebration at the National Hospital Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, called for sustainable support systems to help mothers breastfeed successfully.
Represented by Mrs Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi, Head of the Nutrition Department, he said the theme “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems” is a strategic call to action for everyone not just women.
“Breastfeeding is not the sole responsibility of mothers. It’s a shared societal duty and a powerful public health strategy,” he stated.
Despite breastfeeding’s many benefits, Nigeria still falls short. The 2024 NDHS revealed that only 29% of babies are exclusively breastfed in their first six months – far below the national target of 80% by 2030. Even fewer – just 23% – are breastfed within the first hour of birth.
To change this, Prof. Pate highlighted government efforts including training healthcare workers, enforcing baby-friendly hospital initiatives, and supporting working parents with 112 days paid maternity leave, paternity leave, and daily breastfeeding breaks for nursing mothers in federal service.
Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, represented by Alhaji Suleiman Umar, described breastfeeding as “nature’s first climate-smart food system”, urging employers, health workers, community leaders, and policymakers to take practical steps that support breastfeeding mothers.
The event also featured passionate remarks from WHO and UNICEF representatives, who praised Nigeria’s leadership while urging broader investment in supportive structures from antenatal care to workplaces.
After the formal speeches, government officials and development partners visited the maternity ward, where they interacted with breastfeeding mothers and handed out gifts.
Mothers were also inducted into a Breastfeeding Advocate Club to help spread the message further.
As the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week wraps up, one message rings clear: supporting breastfeeding is everyone’s responsibility – and it’s time to act.
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