- House of Representatives progresses bill titled “Widowhood Leave Provision Act (HB.401)” led by Rep. Sa’idu Musa Abdullahi (APC, Niger)
- Proposed legislation seeks to provide structured mourning periods for widows and widowers, offering fair leave entitlements in public and private sectors
The House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards granting bereaved spouses ample time to mourn the loss of their partners. Led by Rep. Sa’idu Musa Abdullahi (APC, Niger), a bill titled “Widowhood Leave Provision Act (HB.401)” has sailed through its second reading.
This proposed legislation aims to offer a structured period for both men and women to grieve and address immediate challenges following the death of their spouse. Under this bill, widows would be entitled to a five-month Widowhood Leave, while widowers would receive a one-month leave with full pay, ensuring a fair approach for both genders.
The bill explicitly extends its application to employees across both public and private sectors nationwide, emphasizing inclusivity. Rep. Abdullahi stressed the profound impact of losing a partner, highlighting the need for a designated mourning period to navigate the emotional and practical aftermath of such a loss.
He underscored the existing cultural and religious norms in Nigeria, which predominantly recognize mourning periods for women only. This legislation seeks to rectify this imbalance by formally acknowledging the grief experienced by both widows and widowers and providing them with the necessary time to mourn without undue financial strain.
Support for the bill was echoed by Rep. Ademorin Kuye, who shared a personal anecdote about his mother’s experience after the death of his father. He recounted her struggle, having to resign from her job to observe the mourning period, underscoring the real-world implications of the absence of structured bereavement leave.
The passage of this bill would not only address a critical gap in current labor laws but also offer much-needed support and recognition to bereaved spouses across the nation.