) Lagos State has recorded an Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) rate of 57.4 per cent, as the state renewed its commitment to strengthening proven interventions that improve infant nutrition and child survival.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, made the disclosure on Tuesday during a news conference to celebrate 2026 World Breastfeeding Week.
Ogunyemi noted that the figure surpassed the global target of 50 per cent; however, she admitted that greater efforts were required to improve the early initiation of breastfeeding, which currently stands at 14 per cent.
She described breastfeeding as one of the most effective strategies for child survival, stressing that breast milk remains the safest, most nutritious, and most affordable source of infant nutrition.
Explaining that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary feeding up to two years, guaranteed optimal cognitive, physical and mental development for children.
She added that it reduces infant illnesses and deaths.
“The importance of breastfeeding as a child survival strategy, especially in the first six months of life, cannot be over-emphasised.
“Breast milk is free, nutrient-dense, readily available and creates healthier children while promoting stronger bonding between mother and child.”
The Special Adviser noted that the 2026 global theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works”, was particularly relevant in the face of prevailing economic realities.
She added that breastfeeding offered families a sustainable and cost-effective means of ensuring optimal nutrition for infants.
Ogunyemi called on husbands, grandparents, employers, healthcare workers, religious leaders, community leaders and other caregivers to provide the enabling environment nursing mothers require to successfully breastfeed.
“Breastfeeding thrives where mothers receive adequate family and social support.”
Ogunyemi disclosed that Lagos State had continued to strengthen Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) strategies through healthcare worker training and skilled breastfeeding counselling.
Others are enforcement of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and sustained nutrition education across health facilities.
She added that all 334 primary health centres, 29 secondary health facilities and one tertiary facility in the state currently implement the MIYCN strategy with an effective referral system.
She, however, expressed concern over the low rate of breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, attributing it partly to misconceptions surrounding colostrum (the first yellowish breast milk), in spite of its proven protective benefits for newborns.
Ogunyemi dismissed the notion that mothers who deliver through caesarean section cannot breastfeed immediately, insisting that surgical delivery should never delay breastfeeding.
“A caesarean section is not a barrier to breastfeeding.
“Whether a mother delivers vaginally or through surgery, breastfeeding should begin as soon as possible, ideally within the first hour after birth.”
She further warned against the use of breast-milk substitutes and pre-lacteal feeds such as glucose water and herbal mixtures, describing the practice as harmful to both the physical and cognitive development of infants.
Ogunyemi urged families and healthcare providers to support exclusive breastfeeding and adhere strictly to recommended infant feeding practices.
Highlighting government support for breastfeeding-friendly policies, Ogunyemi recalled that Lagos State approved six months maternity leave and two weeks paternity leave for public servants over a decade ago to encourage exclusive breastfeeding and improve child health outcomes.
She acknowledged the continued support of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, development partners including UNICEF, and the Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria for advancing nutrition interventions across the state.
Similarly, Dr Dayo Lajide, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, urged the media to amplify breastfeeding messages beyond the commemorative week.
Lajide emphasised that healthier children, stronger families and improved national development could only be achieved through sustained collective action. (NAN)
