Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan: Her Life, Legacy, and Journey in Politics

Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan is a prominent Nigerian politician, lawyer, and entrepreneur. She is well-known for her advocacy in reviving the Ajaokuta Steel Mill and her active participation in Nigerian politics.

Born on December 9, 1979, in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, she has made significant strides in both her professional and personal life. Through this, Natasha is a notable figure in the country’s socio-political arena.

Early Life of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Natasha was born to a Nigerian father, Dr. Jimoh Abdul Akpoti, a medical doctor from Kogi State, and a Ukrainian mother, Ludmila Kravchenk, from Chernivtsi, Ukraine.

Growing up in a multicultural household gave her exposure to different cultures and perspectives from an early age. This unique upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and a strong sense of identity.

She spent her childhood in Okene, Kogi State, where she attended Christ the King Nursery and Primary School.

Growing up in a region rich in cultural heritage, Natasha developed a keen interest in community development and social justice.

These early influences would later inform her career choices and advocacy work, particularly in relation to industrial development and women’s rights.

Education

Pursuing higher education, Natasha attended the University of Abuja, where she earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 2004.

Her time at the university was marked by active participation in various academic and extracurricular activities. This period helped in honing her analytical and advocacy skills.

Following her undergraduate studies, she attended the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2005.

The legal training she got provided her with a solid foundation for her subsequent endeavors in public and private sectors.

Furthermore, her quest for knowledge led her to the University of Dundee in Scotland, where she obtained a Master’s degree in Oil and Gas Law in 2012.

Natasha’s overseas education equipped her with a deep understanding of the energy sector, a critical area in Nigeria’s economy.

Her studies abroad also exposed her to international perspectives and best practices, further enriching her professional outlook.

Professional Career

Natasha’s professional journey began as a legal counsel at Brass NLG between 2007 and 2010. In this role, she gained valuable experience in the energy sector, dealing with complex legal issues and negotiations.

In 2015, she founded the Builders Hub Impact Investment Program (BHIIP). The program focused on promoting local content and industrialization in Nigeria.

Through BHIIP, she aimed to empower local entrepreneurs and facilitate sustainable economic growth.

Her dedication to national development earned her the African Women Leadership Award. This recognition was from the Nigerian Society of Engineers, in 2017.

These accolades show her contributions to industrial advocacy. It also reflects her efforts to promote gender inclusivity in traditionally male-dominated sectors.

Political Career

Natasha ventured into politics with a commitment to bring about positive change. In 2019, she contested in the Kogi State gubernatorial election under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), though she did not win.

Undeterred, she continued her political journey and, in 2023, gained victory as the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Her election marked a significant milestone, as she became one of the few women in Nigeria to hold such a position. Her victory was seen as a triumph for gender equality and a testament to her perseverance and dedication.

As a senator, Natasha is vocal on issues concerning social justice, industrial development, and women’s rights.

She advocates for policies aimed at reducing poverty, improving healthcare, and enhancing educational opportunities.

Her legislative efforts have focused on creating an inclusive society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

Her tenure, however, has not been without controversy, and these controversies will be discussed thereafter.

Personal Life

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s personal life is a subject of public interest. She is married to High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri Kingdom.

Before their marriage, Uduaghan, a wealthy businessman and cousin to two former Delta State governors, was known for his generosity towards Natasha, including supporting her 2019 gubernatorial campaign and gifting her a Rolls-Royce.

Despite her public persona, Natasha maintains a relatively private approach to her family life, focusing public attention on her professional and advocacy work.

Her ability to balance a demanding career with family responsibilities has been a source of inspiration to many.

In addition to her immediate family, Natasha’s connections extend into broader social and cultural circles.

Her marriage into the Uduaghan family links her to prominent figures in Nigerian politics and business, providing her with a unique perspective on national issues.

Controversies in Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Life

In late 2023, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, alleging that the incident occurred during a visit to his residence in December 2023.

Akpabio denied the allegations, and the Senate’s Committee on Ethics dismissed her petition on procedural grounds.

Subsequently, on March 6, 2025, the Senate suspended her for six months for alleged misconduct, including violating Senate rules and bringing the institution into disrepute.

The suspension sparked widespread protests and debates about gender inequality in Nigerian politics. Women’s rights groups condemned the Senate’s decision, organizing demonstrations under the banner “We are all Natasha.”

Critics argue that the suspension reflects systemic sexism within the political system, highlighting the challenges women face in positions of power.

Natasha alleged that her suspension was a deliberate attempt to silence her and suppress her advocacy efforts.

She expressed concerns about the implications of her suspension on democratic principles and the representation of marginalized groups in governance.

Also, in February 2024, as the Senator representing Kogi Central, she moved a motion in the Senate to investigate alleged corruption and inefficiencies at ASCL and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO).

She expressed  concerns about the re-concession of NIOMCO and a $496 million payment made to the Chairman of Global Infrastructure Holdings Ltd (GINL) in September 2022, questioning the transparency and legality of these transactions.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s motion brought national attention to the prolonged inactivity of ASCL, which, despite being reportedly 98% complete since 1994, remains non-operational.

She attributed this stagnation to a lack of political will and bureaucratic corruption, emphasizing the economic implications, as Nigeria spends approximately $3.3 billion annually on steel imports despite its abundant natural ore resources.

In December 2024, Akpoti-Uduaghan announced that rehabilitation efforts for the Ajaokuta steel plant were scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2025.

She credited the federal government’s commitment to reconnecting with the original builders, Tyazhpromexport (TPE), to revitalize the plant.

This development aimed at positioning Nigeria strategically in manufacturing components essential for the oil and gas sector, potentially reducing reliance on imports and creating job opportunities.

FAQs

Who is Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan?

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is a Nigerian politician, lawyer, and entrepreneur known for her advocacy in reviving the Ajaokuta Steel Mill. She is also the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.

What are the recent controversies surrounding her?

In late 2023, Natasha accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. The Senate’s Committee on Ethics dismissed her petition on procedural grounds. Subsequently, in March 2025, she was suspended from the Senate for six months for alleged misconduct, a decision that has sparked protests and debates about gender inequality in Nigerian politics.

How has the public reacted to her suspension?

The suspension led to widespread protests organized by women’s rights groups under the banner “We are all Natasha.” Critics argue that the suspension reflects systemic sexism within the political system and highlights the challenges women face in positions of power.

What impact has her suspension had on discussions about gender equality in Nigeria?

Natasha’s suspension ignited conversations about the need for reforms to protect whistleblowers and ensure a more inclusive political environment.

What is Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s educational background?

She obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Abuja in 2004, attended the Nigerian Law School, and was called to the Bar in 2005. She later earned a Master’s degree in Oil and Gas Law from the University of Dundee, Scotland, in 2012.

What political party does Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan belong to?

She was initially a member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) when she contested the Kogi governorship election in 2019. She later joined the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), under which she was elected as a senator in 2023.

What are her notable achievements in politics?

As a politician, she is a strong advocate for industrialization and women’s rights. She has championed the revitalization of the Ajaokuta Steel Mill, fought for improved legislative policies. She has also sought to empower underrepresented communities.

Who is Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan married to?

She is married to High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri Kingdom. Their marriage brought together political and business influences from different regions of Nigeria.

What role did her husband play in her political career?

Her husband, a businessman and cousin to two former Delta State governors, reportedly supported her 2019 gubernatorial campaign financially and gifted her a Rolls-Royce. His influence has been linked to her political rise.

What are some of her business ventures?

She founded the Builders Hub Impact Investment Program (BHIIP) in 2015, which focuses on promoting industrialization and local content in Nigeria.

How has she contributed to women’s empowerment?

Natasha is a vocal advocate for gender equality. She has repeatedly called for more women in leadership positions and policies that support women’s economic and political inclusion.

What is her connection to the Ajaokuta Steel Mill?

She is one of the strongest advocates for the revitalization of the Ajaokuta Steel Mill. She has presented investigative reports to the National Assembly to highlight corruption and mismanagement hindering its revival.

Has she faced any legal battles?

Besides her Senate suspension, Natasha is involved in several legal and political disputes, including challenging electoral results and fighting for gender representation in governance.

What impact has her suspension had on Nigerian politics?

Her suspension reignited discussions on the challenges women face in politics, the need for legal protection against workplace harassment, and the role of power dynamics in Nigerian governance.

What awards and recognitions has she received?

She is the recipient of various awards, including the African Women Leadership Award and recognition from the Nigerian Society of Engineers. These awards are for her contributions to industrial advocacy and gender inclusivity.

What is her vision for Nigeria?

Natasha’s political agenda focuses on industrial development, economic empowerment, gender equality. She also works towards creating an inclusive society where opportunities are accessible to all Nigerians.