House of Reps Passes Bill for Widowhood Leave in Nigeria

The House of Representatives has passed a bill for second reading that seeks to provide a specific period of leave for spouses to mourn the death of their partners.

The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to make Provision for Widowhood Leave to be given to Man or Woman whose Spouse died during the Subsistence of the Marriage to enable the Widow and Widower mourn the deceased Spouse and make immediate arrangements for the challenges ahead and for Related Matters (HB.401),” was sponsored by Rep. Sa’idu Musa Abdullahi (APC, Niger).

According to the proposed legislation, a widow would be eligible for five months of Widowhood leave, while a Widower would be eligible for one month of Widowhood leave, both with full pay.

This provision would apply to employees in both the public and private sectors of the federation.

The rationale behind this bill is the recognition of the devastating impact of death on spouses, particularly in Nigerian cultures and religions, where mourning periods are typically observed.

The bill aims to formally acknowledge and provide a legally recognized period for spouses to mourn the death of their partners, allowing them time to heal and make necessary arrangements.

During the plenary session on Tuesday, Rep. Abdullahi emphasized the importance of this bill in addressing the emotional and practical challenges faced by spouses after the loss of their partners.

He pointed out that, while most cultures and religions in Nigeria provide a mourning period for women only, the proposed legislation would extend this provision to both men and women.

Rep. Ademorin Kuye supported the bill, sharing his personal experience of his mother’s struggles after the death of his father when they were young.

Kuye’s mother had to resign from her job to observe the mourning period, highlighting the need for formal recognition of such leave.

As the bill progresses, it could bring about significant changes in the way Nigerian employers handle bereavement leave for their employees.

If passed into law, it would provide a much-needed support system for those who have lost their partners, allowing them time to grieve and adjust to their new circumstances.