Senator Natasha Excluded From UN Women Conference, Replaced By Male Senator
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has been removed from Nigeria’s delegation to the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York, United States.
The conference, which began on March 9 and runs until March 19 at the United Nations headquarters, focuses on advancing gender equality and improving access to justice for women and girls. Despite the event’s emphasis on women’s issues, Akpoti-Uduaghan was replaced by Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire.
The Kogi lawmaker had earlier raised concerns during a Senate Committee on Appropriations meeting on February 25, claiming she was sidelined after being initially invited by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs. She reportedly submitted the requested photo page of her international passport within hours but was later informed that she could not attend because the details were allegedly submitted too late.
Senator Ireti Kingibe, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, had previously denied that Akpoti-Uduaghan was removed, explaining that she had recommended her for the delegation after two other female senators, Idiat Adebule and Ipalibo Banigo, declined the invitation. Kingibe had also assured Akpoti-Uduaghan that she would be included and would stay back if the Kogi senator could not go.
In a letter dated March 5, Kingibe clarified that the Ministry of Women Affairs had not responded to requests for sponsoring delegation members. She further explained that the Senate eventually approved only two participants — herself and Senator Adegbonmire — for the trip.
“For the sake of clarity, I can confirm that at this stage, only two members of the Senate have been officially nominated by the Senate President and have confirmed registration: myself, in my capacity as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, and Senator Adegbonmire Adeniyi Ayodele, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters,” the letter stated.
Kingibe apologised for any inconvenience and advised Akpoti-Uduaghan that she could still attend the conference personally if she already holds a valid United States visa.
