A vocal advocate for the resuscitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Project, which is located in her senatorial district.
Senator Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan, born on December 9, 1979, is a figure of resilience and inspiration in Nigerian politics. As a barrister, social entrepreneur, and politician, she has carved a niche for herself in a field often dominated by her male counterparts.
Natasha’s early life was marked by a blend of cultures, being the daughter of a Nigerian father and a Ukrainian mother. Her formative years in Ihima, Kogi State, were foundational to her character. The loss of her father in 1998 led to a relocation, but it did not deter her ambitions. Natasha pursued law at the University of Abuja and further honed her expertise with a Master of Laws and an MBA in Oil & Gas Management from the University of Dundee.
Her career trajectory took a significant turn when she worked as a legal counsel for Brass LNG. However, it was her establishment of the Builders Hub Impact Investment Program (BHIIP) and her investigative report on the Ajaokuta steel mill that brought her national prominence. Her courage to present the report to the National Assembly, despite opposition, showcased her commitment to transparency and good governance.
Natasha’s political journey is a testament to her tenacity. She ran for the Kogi Central Senatorial District seat under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 2019 and later contested in the Kogi State Gubernatorial Election. Although initially unsuccessful, her relentless pursuit of justice led to her victory at the Appeal Court, which declared her the duly elected candidate for the Kogi Central Senatorial Election held in February 2023.
“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan receives certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the Senator representing Kogi Central senatorial district. The electoral umpire issued the certificate of return to Natasha following her declaration by the Appeal Court as the duly elected Senator of Kogi Central senatorial District. The appellate court in its ruling upheld the earlier judgment of the Tribunal which declared the PDP candidate as the authentic senator of Kogi Central with lawful votes of 54,354 while Ohere APC scored 51,291 votes.”
A Symbol of Women Empowerment as Kogi’s first elected female senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s story is not just about personal triumph but also about breaking barriers for women in politics. Her election is a beacon of hope for aspiring female politicians in Nigeria and beyond.
Recently appointed as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content and vice-chairman of the Committee on Steel, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is poised to make impactful contributions in these vital sectors.
Senator Natasha’s journey is a narrative of perseverance, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of a better Nigeria. Her story continues to inspire and shape the future of Nigerian politics.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has been a vocal advocate for the resuscitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Project, which is located in her senatorial district. Her efforts aim to revitalize this key industrial asset, which has the potential to significantly boost the local and national economy.
On Environmental Protection Policies, she has urged the Senate to consider policies that protect host communities against environmental degradation. This reflects her commitment to sustainable development and the well-being of communities affected by industrial activities.
She is committed to helping her people overcome some basic challenges like provision of potable water and empowerment initiatives. Moved by the scarcity of water in Kogi State, she has facilitated the provision of potable water at strategic locations. Additionally, she has empowered hundreds of thousands of women and youths through her impact investment mission and provided support to the less privileged with food materials and cash.
These initiatives highlight Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s dedication to addressing practical concerns that directly affect the lives of her constituents and demonstrate her commitment to sustainable development and social welfare.
In National Assembly, Senator Natasha serves as the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content and as the vice chairperson of the Committee on Steel. These roles align with her advocacy for the Ajaokuta Steel Project and her commitment to local content development.
