Senate President Drops Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from UN Women’s CSW70 Delegation

The Senate leadership removed Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from Nigeria’s delegation to the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York. She was replaced by Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire despite the event’s focus on women’s issues. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said she submitted her passport details promptly after being invited by the Ministry of Women Affairs. She was later informed that her submission was late and that she would no longer attend. Senate Committee on Women Affairs Chair Ireti Kingibe first denied the removal. Yet the final delegation list includes only herself and Senator Adegbonmire, citing delays in ministry sponsorship and Senate approval. Critics argue that replacing a female senator with a male colleague at a women’s rights forum undermines Nigeria’s commitment to gender inclusion. Women still hold fewer than 5% of National Assembly seats, and key gender equality bills remain stalled.

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