Learn how Nigeria marked World Breastfeeding Week 2025. The Federal Government and UNICEF spotlight 10 key actions to build strong support systems for breastfeeding mothers
World Breastfeeding Week (1–7 August) highlights how Nigerian communities can build lasting support for breastfeeding with good policies, mothers’ support, and changes in the workplace.
Every year in the first week of August, the world marks World Breastfeeding Week to celebrate and spread awareness about breastfeeding. In 2025, the Federal Government of Nigeria is leading a strong call to action with the theme,
“Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems.”
This theme reminds us that for breastfeeding to be successful, mothers need long-term, reliable support from everyone, including the government, hospitals, families, and workplaces.
According to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, breastfeeding is not just the mother's job. He said it "must be treated as a public health priority, a national development strategy, and a climate resilience measure.” He explained that breastfeeding has many benefits for a child's health and a nation’s economy, and it is a way to fight against malnutrition and poverty.
5 Key Highlights from Breastfeeding Week in Nigeria
1. Nigeria is Still Falling Short on Targets
Despite the huge benefits, the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) shows a serious problem. Only 29% of babies in Nigeria are breastfed exclusively for the first six months. Even more alarming, only 23% of babies are breastfed within one hour of birth. The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoHSW) is concerned that this shows a big gap in how we support mothers in our hospitals and homes.
2. Federal and State Governments Are Stepping Up
To address this, the Federal Government has committed to several policies. They have provided 112 days of paid maternity leave for women who work for the federal government. They have also given 14 days of paternity leave for men to help support their wives. In addition, some states are making big changes. The Kebbi State Government, for example, has approved a six-month paid maternity leave to promote exclusive breastfeeding. These are important steps to help mothers feed their babies without fear of losing their jobs.
3. Breastfeeding is Nature's First Climate-Smart Food System
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, explained that breastfeeding is a great way to protect the environment. He called it “nature’s first climate-smart food system,” because it produces zero waste, needs no packaging, and has no carbon footprint. In contrast, formula feeding contributes to environmental problems. Dr. Salako emphasized that this is a turning point where we must connect infant nutrition with climate resilience.
Read Releted Articles:
World Hepatitis Day: Nigeria Acts in 2025 with Testing, Outreach, and Youth Action
Shocking Truth: Why Nigerians Still Avoid Vaccines – And 5 Trusted Ways to Educate Your Community
4. Workplaces Must Do More to Support Mothers
UNICEF Nigeria representative, Sumit Khan, made a passionate plea for workplaces to provide more support for nursing mothers. He explained that many women face challenges when they have to return to work, which makes it hard for them to continue breastfeeding. Khan encouraged employers to provide breastfeeding corners and other flexible systems to help mothers. The government is also enforcing the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (BMS) to stop companies from aggressively promoting formula and to protect exclusive breastfeeding.
5. Health Workers and Communities Must Work Together
During the event in Abuja, both the WHO and UNICEF praised Nigeria’s leadership. The WHO Representative, Dr. Pindar Wakawa, said that breastfeeding is "a moral, economic, and environmental imperative." They both called for more support for mothers from healthcare workers, community leaders, and policymakers. They also toured the National Hospital to interact with mothers and give them gift items, which is a good example of how to make mothers feel valued and supported.
Why This Should Matter to You
This year’s World Breastfeeding Week is a call to action for all of us. Supporting mothers is a shared responsibility that saves lives and money. It is an investment in our children's health, a way to reduce poverty, and a step toward a healthier and more prosperous Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is World Breastfeeding Week observed?
It is observed every year from the 1st to the 7th of August.
What is the national exclusive breastfeeding rate in Nigeria?
According to the latest data, only 29% of infants in Nigeria are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life.
What is the paternity leave policy in Nigeria?
The Federal Government has approved 14 days of paternity leave for men who work in the federal service to support mothers and children.
Why is breastfeeding considered a "climate-smart" system?
Breastfeeding is a climate-smart system because it produces zero waste, requires no packaging or transportation, and has no carbon footprint, unlike formula feeding.
Can an HIV-positive mother breastfeed her baby?
Yes. With proper medical care and medication, an HIV-positive mother can breastfeed her baby without transmitting the virus. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
What is the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (BMS)?
This is a set of rules used by governments, including Nigeria, to stop the aggressive promotion of baby formula and other milk substitutes. It helps to protect breastfeeding mothers and babies.
Source / Reference
Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare fmino.gov.ng
Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), 2024.
UNICEF Nigeria. (2025). unicef.org/nigeria