Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan Removed from UN Delegation

Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan was removed from Nigeria’s delegation to the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, which runs from March 9 to March 19 in New York. She was replaced by a male senator, raising concerns about gender representation within the Nigerian Senate.

The issue first surfaced during a Senate Committee on Appropriations meeting on February 25, where Kogi Senator Akpoti Uduaghan complained about her removal despite fulfilling all documentation requirements. The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs had earlier invited her to join the delegation.

Senator Ireti Kingibe, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, dismissed claims that Akpoti Uduaghan was excluded due to late passport submission. Instead, she stated that two female senators, Idiat Adebul and Ipalibo Banigo, declined to attend, leading to Akpoti Uduaghan's name being forwarded for consideration.

However, the final decision to replace her with a male senator has drawn criticism from gender advocates, especially in light of recent controversies surrounding the Senate leadership.