By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has commenced the implementation of the 14-day paternity leave policy for serving civil servants on its payroll. The leave with pay is mainly for employees whose spouses deliver a baby.
Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Folasade Yemi-Esan, in a circular, said the leave would take effect from November 25, 2022, adding that it is in line with the provisions of the Public Service Rules, 2021 Edition.
“Government has also approved paternity leave for serving male officers whose spouse delivers a baby. The period of the leave shall be 14 working days. The leave shall not be more than once in two years and for a 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,” the circular read.
Mrs Yemi-Esan also said the request for such leave must 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.
Business Post reported last year that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had approved the introduction of 14-day paternity leave for public servants in the new Public Service Rules (PSR), which replaced the 2008 policy.
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