The Federal Government has approved a 14-working-day paternity leave for federal civil servants in the country.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, made this known via a circular dated November 25, a copy of which was obtained by The Star on Tuesday.

The circular with ref no HCSF/SPSO/ODD/NCE/RR/650309/3 was titled, ‘Computation of Leave Based on Working Days and Approval of Paternity Leave in the Public Service’.

Yemi-Esan, in the circular addressed to the Chief of Staff to the President, Ministers, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Clerk of the National Assembly, and Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), among others, said the approval of the paternity leave was in line with the provisions of the Public Service Rules, 2021 Edition, adding that the computation of all leave shall be based on working days.

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The HoS stated that the period of the leave shall be 14 working days and shall not be more than once in two years, and for maximum of four children.

“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 14 working days,” Yemi-Esan noted.

She said the request for such leave shall 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, adding that the effective date of the circular was November 25, 2022.

The Star