UNICEF calls for stronger support systems to promote breastfeeding in Nigeria

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged governments, families, employers, media, and other stakeholders to intensify efforts toward promoting effective breastfeeding practices across Nigeria.

Mr. Muhammad Okorie, UNICEF’s Social Policy Manager in Lagos, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.

He noted that breastfeeding requires a strong support system and collective commitment, stressing that women should be encouraged to exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months of life and continue up to two years and beyond.

Okorie urged governments to implement policies that foster a breastfeeding-friendly culture, including enforcing regulations on advertisements of infant formula and providing flexible working conditions for nursing mothers.

“Creating a conducive working environment has become imperative in the face of multiple challenges faced by working mothers,” he said, while advocating for six months of paid maternity leave to be made universal across both public and private sectors.

The UNICEF official also emphasised the central role of families in supporting breastfeeding mothers, saying strong family backing helps to overcome stigma, misinformation, and cultural barriers.

“To improve breastfeeding practice, families must adopt love, compassion, and understanding, fostering a positive environment for mothers,” he said.

He encouraged parents to adopt the 1:6:24 approach — initiating breastfeeding within one hour after birth, exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months, and continuing alongside complementary feeding for 24 months.

Okorie highlighted the numerous benefits of breastfeeding, including improved infant nutrition, reduced child mortality, protection against diseases, and stronger bonds between mother and child.

He also underscored the role of the media in promoting accurate information on breastfeeding and countering misconceptions.

“Breastfeeding promotes healthy growth and development, reduces infant mortality, and contributes to the overall well-being of children,” he said.