The Katsina State Government has implemented a new law granting female civil servants a mourning leave period of four months and ten days following the death of their husbands.
This policy, rooted in Islamic tradition, allows women to observe the Iddah period, which is designated for mourning.
The initiative was put into effect after the Katsina State House of Assembly passed a motion urging the government to consider the Iddah period, with subsequent approval from the executive branch.
Katsina State’s Head of Civil Service, Falalu Bawale, announced the new regulation, confirming that a circular has been sent to all state ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure compliance.
Bawale highlighted that the proposal for this policy was presented to the National Council on Establishment, which permitted states to create rules fitting their needs.
Following the approval by the State Executive Council, the law now ensures that female civil servants in Katsina State can take the necessary time to mourn their deceased spouses without fear of losing their jobs.