The Nigerian Senate has removed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the country’s official delegation to the 2026 session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations in New York, replacing her with a male senator.
According to Sahara Reporters, The decision has sparked controversy as the conference, which began on March 9, brings together government officials, activists, and policymakers from around the world to discuss women’s rights and gender equality.
Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory and chairs the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, had previously stated she would not attend the event if Akpoti-Uduaghan was excluded.
Only two senators were officially nominated to attend: Kingibe and Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire.
Kingibe also noted that the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs had not finalized the full list of delegates or completed travel and accommodation arrangements.
Reports suggest that Akpoti-Uduaghan may have initially been considered for the delegation.
A WhatsApp message reportedly requested her international passport data page for registration, which was provided shortly afterward.
This has raised questions about why she was ultimately removed from the official list.
The move has drawn criticism, especially given the limited number of female senators in Nigeria and the focus of the conference on women’s issues.
Kingibe has indicated that Akpoti-Uduaghan could still attend the conference independently if she holds a valid United States visa, though access to the UN venue would require formal accreditation through the Ministry of Women Affairs.
Senator Natasha has expressed disappointment over the exclusion.
