A controversy has erupted in the Senate over the removal of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from Nigeria’s delegation to the 2026 session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the United Nations in New York.
The conference, which begins on Monday, brings together government officials, activists, and policymakers to discuss gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Senator Ireti Kingibe, chairperson of the Senate committee on women affairs, had earlier indicated that Akpoti-Uduaghan was expected to be part of the delegation.
During a Senate budget presentation session, Senator Kingibe reportedly said she would boycott the event if the Kogi senator was excluded.
“If Senator Natasha Akpoti is not going to attend the program, it means I am not going to attend too,” she said.
However, in a letter dated March 5, 2026, Kingibe informed Akpoti-Uduaghan that only two senators had been officially nominated and registered for the conference.
“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… and Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire,” the letter reads.
Kingibe added that the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs had yet to finalise the broader list of delegates or complete travel and accommodation arrangements.
Documents circulating online suggest that Akpoti-Uduaghan may have initially been considered for participation in the conference.
A WhatsApp message allegedly sent by an aide linked to Kingibe requested the international passport data page of the Kogi senator.
“Good afternoon ma’am… Please we need your principal’s data page for CSW New York,” the message reads.
The development has triggered speculation within political circles about what may have changed between the initial preparations and the final list of nominees.
She added that access to the United Nations building would depend on accreditation handled by the ministry of women affairs.
