The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation of Nigeria, Folasade Yemi-Esan, has explained why the Federal Government approved 14-day Paternity Leave for any man in service whose spouse delivers of a baby.

She said the leave, which takes effect from November 25, 2022, is in line with the provisions of the Public Service Rules, 2021 Edition.

“Government has also approved Paternity Leave for serving male officers whose spouse delivers a baby. The period of the leave shall be fourteen working days. The leave shall not be more than once in two years, and for maximum of four children.

“Where the family of a male officer adopts a child under four months old, the officer will similarly enjoy Paternity Leave for a period of fourteen working days,” the circular read.

According to Yemi-Esan, “the request for such leave must be accompanied by the Expected Date of Delivery’s (EDD) report of the officer’s wife or evidence of approval of the adoption of the child by the relevant government bodies.”

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