Neda Imasuen profile, career achievements, net worth, controversies

Senator Neda Bernards Imasuen is a seasoned lawyer, policy consultant, and lawmaker, currently representing Edo South Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate.

Elected under the Labour Party (LP) banner in 2023, Imasuen recently announced his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal leadership crises within the LP that, according to him, had hindered his ability to serve his constituents effectively.

He currently chairs the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.

Profile overview

Name: Neda Bernards Imasuen

Born: June 29, 1958

Place of birth, Benin City, Edo state

Education: University of Maiduguri

Relationship status: Married

Career: Politician, Lawyer

Background

Born on June 29, 1958 and raised in Benin City, Edo State, Imasuen began his academic journey at St. Thomas’ Catholic School and completed his secondary education at Edo Boys High School.

He pursued a degree in Law at the University of Maiduguri and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985.

Determined to broaden his expertise, he obtained a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York, in 2004.

Legal and international career

Senator Imasuen practiced law in New York and also served as a public advocate.

However, his legal career in the United States hit a setback when he was disbarred by the New York State Supreme Court in 2010 for professional misconduct.

Following his return to Nigeria, Imasuen worked on several high-profile consultancy assignments.

He coordinated the European Union’s State Reforming Institutional Program (SRIP) in Jigawa State and contributed to policy reforms with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum under the State Peer Review Mechanism Projects (SPRM).

Between 2014 and 2015, he worked as a Legislative Consultant on a World Bank-backed SEEFOR project in Delta State, where he helped shape the Treasury Single Account (TSA) framework.

Foray into politics

His journey into active politics took a new turn when he served as a Senior Legislative Aide to Senator Matthew Urhoghide between 2015 and 2022.

In 2023, Imasuen contested for the Edo South Senate seat under the Labour Party and won, defeating PDP’s Matthew Iduoriyekemwen and APC’s Valentine Asuen.

In the Senate, he has played key roles and is currently the Chairman of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.

Controversies

Despite his achievements, Senator Imasuen has faced scrutiny. Reports from Sahara Reporters allege that he and Senator Victor Umeh were instrumental in coordinating a controversial meeting at the Senate President’s guest house.

During this meeting, it was claimed that payouts ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 were distributed to 87 senators to secure backing for a proposed state of emergency in Rivers State.

In early 2025, his Senate committee played a central role in the controversial six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual misconduct.

The suspension triggered public outcry and raised concerns about institutional bias and accountability.

Party defection

In June 2025, Senator Imasuen officially left the Labour Party and joined the APC.

In a public statement, he attributed his defection to “persistent leadership issues” within the LP, stating that the internal crises were impeding his legislative effectiveness and constituency development projects.

His move to the ruling party may signal a strategic alignment for broader national influence, but critics argue it reflects opportunism in a volatile political environment.

Private life

Senator Neda Imasuen is married with children.

In his leisure time, he enjoys reading, researching, listening to music, jogging, and meeting new people.

Awards

Senator Imasuen’s work has earned him several honors, including:

• Award of Excellence and Humanitarian Service
• Distinguished Service Award
• Role Model Award
• Legislative Excellence Award
• Patron of the National Association of University Students (Edo State Campus Monitoring Committee)
• Patron of the Catholic Men Organisation of Nigeria, Benin City Deanery
• Legislator of the Year

Net worth

Though his official net worth is not publicly disclosed, based on his career in international consultancy, legal practice, and politics, Senator Neda Imasuen is estimated to be worth between $800,000 and $2 million.