Profile of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, career milestones, controversies, net worth

Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan is a Nigerian lawyer, entrepreneur, and politician who currently represents Kogi Central Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly.

Known for her fearless advocacy for transparency, economic development, and good governance, she has made a name for herself as a determined leader in Nigerian politics.

From her legal battles over the Ajaokuta Steel Mill to her Senate victory after a controversial election, her journey is a testament to resilience, courage, and commitment to public service.

Profile summary

Full Name: Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan

Born: December 9, 1979

State of Origin: Kogi

Education: University of Abuja

Marital Status: Married

Occupation: Politician

Background

Born on December 9, 1979, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan hails from the Ebira tribe in Kogi state.

Her father, Jimoh Abdul Akpoti, was from Kogi State, Nigeria, while her mother, Ludmila Kravchenk, was from Chernivtsi, Ukraine.

Raised in Ihima, Okehi, she faced significant challenges after losing her father in 1998, which led to her family’s relocation. Despite the setbacks, she remained committed to her dreams and ambitions.

Akpoti-Uduaghan pursued her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) at the University of Abuja (2000–2004) before attending the Nigerian Law School in Abuja, where she was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2005.

She later advanced her studies at the University of Dundee, Scotland, earning a Master’s degree in Oil and Gas Management in 2012.

This academic background provided her with a strong foundation for her career in law, governance, and policy advocacy.

Legal career and advocacy

Natasha began her career as a legal counsel at Brass LNG, where she worked between 2007 and 2010.

Her passion for economic growth and infrastructure development led her to establish the Builders Hub Impact Investment Program (BHIIP) in 2015, an initiative focused on promoting sustainable development.

Her advocacy work came to the national spotlight in 2018 when she presented a groundbreaking report on the mismanagement and corruption surrounding the Ajaokuta Steel Mill project.

The revelations sparked national conversations, earning her praise and criticism.

The Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development accused her of bias, but she fought back legally and won N10 million in damages in a defamation lawsuit.

Political career

Akpoti-Uduaghan took her advocacy to the next level by venturing into politics. In 2018, she contested for the Kogi Central Senatorial seat under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) but lost.

Unshaken by defeat, she later joined the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and, in May 2022, won the party’s ticket to contest in the 2023 senatorial elections against Abubakar Ohere of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The 2023 election was marked by controversy, including allegations of road excavations to prevent election material transport.

Despite the challenges, Akpoti-Uduaghan lost by a slim margin (51,763 votes to Ohere’s 52,132). However, her determination paid off when the election tribunal nullified Ohere’s victory on September 6, 2023, declaring her the rightful winner.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld the decision on October 31, 2023, officially confirming her as the Senator representing Kogi Central.

Controversies

In March 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan made headlines after accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.

She alleged that he made inappropriate advances, implying that she needed to “take care of him” for her motions to be considered. Akpabio, however, denied the allegations, insisting on his commitment to professionalism and integrity.

In February 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Senate seat was reassigned following a reshuffle linked to opposition defections.

She protested the move, calling it an act of intimidation aimed at silencing her. In response, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions launched an investigation into the matter.

Her public outcry sparked mixed reactions, with advocacy groups like the Africa Arise for Change Network criticizing her response, calling it “disgraceful” and unbefitting of a public official.”

The controversy has only fueled further debates on gender representation and power struggles in Nigerian politics.

Private life

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is a proud Ebira woman and a mother of three. On March 5, 2022, she tied the knot with Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri, in a traditional ceremony in Ihima, Kogi State.

Net wealth 

Her wealth comes from her legal career, entrepreneurship, and political endeavors, with estimates placing her net worth at around $5 million.