Thursday, November 13, 2025 | The House of Representatives received a report from the Committee of Public Service Matters on the Widowhood Leave Bill (HB. 401) sponsored by Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi (APC, Niger State). The bill proposes significant steps toward strengthening employee welfare including, amending Nigeria’s labour laws to provide mandatory, paid leave for employees who lose their spouses. The legislation will apply to employees in both the Public and Private Sectors across the Federation.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The Widowhood Leave Bill proposes specific, paid leave periods tailored to recognized cultural and religious mourning periods:
For Widows: The bill grants a paid leave of up to five (5) months, allowing the individual necessary time to grieve, seek support, and adjust to their new circumstances.
For Widowers: The bill grants a paid leave of one (1) month (30 days) to enable the male employee to mourn and make crucial family and domestic adjustments following the loss of his spouse.
The sponsor argued that the current standard bereavement leave (often just 14 days) is grossly inadequate for managing the cultural, religious, and emotional demands placed upon a grieving spouse in Nigeria.
The bill, which includes provisions for penalties against chief executives who fail to comply, has been subject to detailed scrutiny.
