A plethora of issues plague the public sector in Nigeria, to say nothing of other marginalized groups in the country. Some of these challenges include lack of employee incentives like parental leave, unpaid remuneration, tribalism, corruption, etc. The 2009 parental leave granted to mothers in the public offices have stretched to make all-encompassing provisions —paternity leave for men in the public sector.
In some economically developed countries, the government makes child-care leave accessible to Federal employees when the necessary criteria is satisfied. Although Nigeria has been far behind regarding public employee incentives, it’s beginning to finally catch up with global trends. The Federal Government’s recent approval of a 14-day paternity leave for men in Nigerian public service is more than a positive improvement.
The plenitude of natural resources in Nigeria is sufficient for the average citizen to live comfortably. But the commitment of the government to properly harness and distribute the nation’s wealth is below par. Same with Federal jobs and incentives.
Why Is The Parental Leave Policy For Men In Nigeria Necessary?
Nigerian men struggle to get jobs at defunct administrative offices, which they slave away at for years. And at the most, these workers are scarcely paid or underpaid, not recompensed —especially for their death or losses, and often receive measly pensions upon retirement. By law, civil workers are entitled to paid, job-protected, parental leaves, vacations, among other incentives, so as to increase parental care and child development.
The Federal government policies to reduce unemployment has waxed and waned, leaving Nigerians to resort to other lucrative private ventures. Statistical research shows that entrepreneurship is becoming more popular and entrepreneurs are happier than other people working Federal jobs. At least entrepreneurs work for themselves and are not loyal to any organizational hierarchy. Which is the perfect trump card over civil service workers when it comes to strengthening familial relationships.
As a rule, back-alley recruitment portals exist in Nigeria to meet the needs of marginalized groups of unemployed men and women. Hence, most people working as public servants lack the qualifications and training to manoeuvre the jobs they illegally obtain. Once these jobs are allotted, eye-opening experiences like overdue salaries set in. And every mild discomfort felt is ameliorated with unwarranted transfer of aggression.
The improvement of Federal employee incentives such as parental leave is not only significant to the developmental needs of children. But also boosts the physical and mental well-being of parents. Most Nigerian homes are in shambles because parents lack the mental capacity to run it. It equally allows for more equitable division of household responsibilities as well as increased child bonding.
When Was The Leave Approved In Nigeria?
On November 25, 2022, the Nigerian Head of Civil Service Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan announced the 14-day paternity leave for men. Which takes effect on working days, not more than once in two years, and for a maximum of four children. In the circular, Yemi-Esan also went ahead to divulge that male officers who adopts a child under four months old, will equally enjoy said Leave.