The Nigerian Senate has removed Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the UN CSW70 delegation, replacing her with Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire amid delegation disputes
The Nigerian Senate has withdrawn Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) from the country’s delegation to the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York City.
Also read:Â APC France Welcomes Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal
The event, held from March 9 to 19 at the UN headquarters, focuses on improving access to justice for women and girls and advancing gender equality globally.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has been replaced by Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, a male lawmaker, sparking concerns over gender representation in Nigeria’s delegation to a women-focused international forum.
The Kogi senator had earlier submitted her passport details promptly after the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs invited her to join the delegation.
However, she was later informed that she would not attend, with the ministry citing delayed submission.
Earlier, Senate Committee on Women Affairs Chairperson Ireti Kingibe had denied that Akpoti-Uduaghan was removed.
Kingibe stated that she recommended Akpoti-Uduaghan after two other female senators — Idiat Adebule and Ipalibo Banigo — declined the invitation.
Kingibe explained in a March 5 letter that the Senate had approved only two members for the trip: herself and Adegbonmire, due to pending responses from the Ministry of Women Affairs regarding delegation sponsorship.
“For clarity, only two members of the Senate have been officially nominated by the Senate President and confirmed registration: myself and Senator Adegbonmire,” Kingibe wrote.
She apologised for any inconvenience and advised Akpoti-Uduaghan that she could still join the delegation independently if she holds a valid United States visa.
CSW70 brings together global leaders to address gender equality, women’s rights, and access to justice.
Also read:Â APC France Welcomes Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s removal has drawn attention to the processes for selecting Nigerian delegates, particularly regarding gender representation in high-profile international forums.
