The House of Representatives has advanced the “Widowhood Leave Bill, 2023” sponsored by Hon. Said Musa Abdullahi, representing the Bida/Gbako/Katcha federal constituency of Niger State, to the second reading.
Abdullahi emphasized the importance of introducing Widowhood Leave to address the unique challenges faced by widows and widowers. He underscored the need for such leave to provide grieving individuals with the necessary time and space to seek counseling, adjust to their new circumstances, and care for their families during the mourning period. Abdullahi particularly highlighted the Islamic practice of iddah, which mandates a waiting period of four months and ten days for Muslim widows.
The lawmaker acknowledged the prevalent challenges encountered by widows and widowers in Nigeria, who often shoulder sole responsibility for their families after the loss of a spouse. He pointed out that while bereavement leave is provided in some organizations, there is currently no provision for Widowhood Leave in the Nigerian Labour Act (2004), necessitating legislative intervention.
Abdullahi outlined the key provisions of the bill, including the duration of leave, eligibility criteria, and penalties for non-compliance. He cited examples from other countries, such as India and the Philippines, where widows are entitled to paid leave, underscoring the need to align Nigerian legislation with global best practices.
Moreover, Abdullahi emphasized the cultural and religious diversity within Nigeria, highlighting the varying mourning practices observed across different regions and religions. He argued that Widowhood Leave should be tailored to accommodate these diverse cultural and religious norms, proposing a leave duration of thirty days for widowers and five months for widows.
The lawmaker concluded by stressing the importance of Widowhood Leave in supporting employees during times of personal crisis, promoting emotional well-being, and fostering workplace productivity. He urged his colleagues to support the bill as a demonstration of solidarity with those navigating the challenges of widowhood.
