Debate Erupts as Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Is Removed From Nigeria’s UN Women Delegation

A dispute has emerged in the Nigerian Senate following the reported removal of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the country’s delegation to a women-focused conference organized by UN Women.

The international event, which gathers policymakers and advocates to discuss gender equality and women’s empowerment, was expected to include the senator representing Kogi Central. However, her name was reportedly removed from the list of delegates at a later stage.

The change reportedly left only two lawmakers on the final list, a move that has generated debate among members of the Senate.

Another lawmaker, Ireti Kingibe, was said to have raised concerns about the development, expressing dissatisfaction over the alleged exclusion.

Reports indicate that the final delegation list included a male senator in place of Akpoti-Uduaghan, a development that has attracted criticism given the conference’s focus on women’s issues.

The situation has sparked discussions within political circles, with some observers questioning the process used in determining Nigeria’s representatives to the global meeting.

So far, the leadership of the Nigerian Senate has not publicly clarified the reason behind the change, while conversations about the decision continue among lawmakers and stakeholders.