Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Thursday expressed frustration over what she described as being sidelined from certain Senate activities, raising the issue during plenary while the Committee on Women Affairs presented its budget defence.
Speaking on the floor, the lawmaker accused the committee chair, Ireti Kingibe, of excluding her from aspects of the committee’s work. She also questioned the level of unity and coordination among female senators, particularly regarding participation in a major global women’s programme.
Akpoti-Uduaghan cited the planned attendance of Nigerian delegates at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) meeting in New York, noting that the Senate’s limited number of female members made collaboration even more important.
According to her, she received notice of the invitation around 1 p.m. the previous day and was asked to submit her passport for processing. She said she complied within three hours but was later informed by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs that she would no longer be included because her response was considered late.
“I was only informed about the event yesterday at 1:00 pm, and I immediately responded with my passport,” she said. “Despite my prompt response, I was later told that I responded too late and would not be attending. I should not be treated differently from other women, especially for an event focused on the advancement of women.”
The senator’s remarks highlighted concerns about inclusion, coordination, and representation among female lawmakers in the National Assembly.