Natasha Akpoti biography reveals her journey as Nigeria’s first female senator from Kogi State. Discover her age, net worth, husband Emmanuel Uduaghan, children, career achievements, and controversies.

Who is Natasha Akpoti?

Natasha Akpoti biography tells the story of a trailblazing Nigerian politician who has become one of the most talked-about figures in contemporary Nigerian politics. Born Natasha Hadiza Akpoti on December 9, 1979, in Ilorin, Kwara State, she currently serves as a member of the 10th Nigeria National Assembly, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. At 45 years old, she holds the historic distinction of being the first elected female senator in Kogi State, breaking significant barriers in a traditionally male-dominated political landscape.

Her unique heritage sets her apart in Nigerian politics. She is the daughter of a Nigerian father, the late Dr. Jimoh Abdul Akpoti, a respected medical doctor from Obeiba-Ihima in Kogi State, and a Ukrainian mother, Ludmila Kravchenko from Chernivtsi, Ukraine. This multicultural background has shaped her worldview and approach to politics, though it also presented challenges growing up as she was often called “Oyinbo pepper” by her community.

Before entering politics, Natasha established herself as a successful lawyer and social entrepreneur. She worked as a legal counsel at Brass LNG and founded the Builders Hub Impact Investment Program (BHIIP), demonstrating her commitment to economic development. Her political journey began with unsuccessful attempts in 2018 and 2019, but persistence paid off when she won the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in 2023 after a court ruling in her favor.

Her advocacy for the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Mill brought her national prominence in 2018, earning her both admirers and critics. This activism led to her receiving the presidential award from the Nigerian Society of Engineers in December 2017 and the African Women Leadership Award from Jewel Taylor, former vice president of Liberia.

However, her tenure in the Senate has been marked by significant controversy. In February 2025, she made headlines by accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, allegations that were dismissed on procedural grounds. This led to her six-month suspension from the Senate in March 2025, sparking national and international debate about accountability and women’s rights in Nigerian politics.

Quick Facts About Natasha Akpoti

Early Life and Family Background

Natasha Akpoti’s early life story is one of cultural diversity, privilege, and loss. Born on December 9, 1979, at the Maternity Hospital in Ilorin, Kwara State (now University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital), she is the second of four children and the only daughter in her family. Her unique background as the child of a Nigerian father and Ukrainian mother shaped her identity and experiences growing up in Nigeria.

Parents and Heritage

Her father, Dr. Jimoh Abdul Akpoti, was a prominent medical doctor from Obeiba-Ihima in Kogi State who met her mother, Ludmila Kravchenko, while studying medicine at Bogomolets National Medical University in Ukraine during the Soviet era. Dr. Akpoti was known for his philanthropy, treating poor patients for free and paying tuition for thousands of school children. His compassionate approach to medicine and community service profoundly influenced Natasha’s values and later activism.

Her mother, Ludmila Kravchenko, hails from Rakitna in the Chernivtsi region of Ukraine. The interracial marriage between her parents was uncommon in their community, and Natasha’s mixed heritage made her stand out. She recalled being teased and followed by children who called her “Oyinbo pepper” (the white one), an experience that created early social sensitivities about her multiracial identity.

Childhood in Kogi State

Natasha spent her formative years in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area, and neighboring towns including Okene, Adavi, and Ajaokuta. Her most cherished childhood memories included watching colorful masquerades called “Eku” in her local Ebira dialect, which she loved despite the teasing she endured for her lighter complexion.

Growing up in these communities, she witnessed her father’s dedication to serving the poor and his commitment to education and healthcare access. These early lessons in empathy and philanthropy would later inform her political career and advocacy work. However, tragedy struck when her father died on November 3, 1998, when Natasha was just 18 years old, fundamentally altering the family’s trajectory.

Personal Challenges

The loss of her father came at a crucial time in Natasha’s life. Barely three weeks after his death, she gained admission to the University of Abuja to study law. A week after that, at the tender age of 19, she got married and had her first son, Daniel, months later. She has described her university years as a period when she learned that “the fragility of innocence attracted mercilessly the world’s monsters,” suggesting significant personal struggles during this time.

Educational Background

Natasha Akpoti’s educational journey reflects determination and a commitment to continuous learning despite early personal challenges. Her academic credentials span law, business administration, and specialized training in the oil and gas sector.

Primary and Secondary Education

Natasha began her formal education at Christ the King Nursery and Primary School in Okene, Kogi State, where she attended for six years. She was the social prefect and was acknowledged in her testimonial as very quiet, hardworking, and responsible. These early character traits would continue to define her approach to work and public service.

For her secondary education, she briefly attended Government Girls Unity Secondary School in Oboroke, Kogi State, before completing her senior secondary education at Federal Government College, Idoani, in Ondo State, where she graduated in 1997. Her time at Federal Government College was notable, and she demonstrated leadership qualities that would later serve her political career.

University Education

Following her father’s death in November 1998, Natasha and her family relocated to Abuja. Shortly after, she gained admission to the University of Abuja, where she obtained her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from 2000 to 2004. Her university years were challenging as she navigated academic demands while being a young wife and mother to her first son, Daniel.

After graduating from law school, Natasha was called to the Nigerian Bar by the Body of Benchers on November 8, 2005, following her completion of the Barrister at Law program at the Nigerian Law School in Bwari, Abuja. This marked the beginning of her professional legal career.

Advanced Degrees and Specialized Training

Recognizing the importance of specialized knowledge in Nigeria’s key economic sectors, Natasha pursued further education while working as a legal counsel at Brass LNG. In 2008, she completed an International Gas Business Management Certificate program offered by the prestigious International Human Resources Development Corporation (IHRDC) in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

She later enrolled at the University of Dundee in Scotland, where she earned both a Master of Laws degree in 2011 and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Oil & Gas Management in 2012. She also obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Petroleum Law and Policies, further solidifying her expertise in the energy sector. This specialized education positioned her as an expert in corporate law, energy law, and business management, credentials that would later support her advocacy for industrial development in Nigeria.

Career Journey: From Law to Politics

Legal Career (2007-2015)

Natasha Akpoti’s professional career began in the legal sector, where she worked as a legal counsel at Brass LNG, an international gas liquefaction company, from 2007 to 2010. During this period, she gained invaluable experience in corporate law, contract negotiations, and the complexities of the oil and gas industry. Her role at Brass LNG exposed her to international business practices and the legal frameworks governing Nigeria’s energy sector.

Her work in the legal field was characterized by dedication and expertise, particularly in areas related to energy law and corporate governance. This experience provided her with a solid foundation in understanding the legal and business challenges facing Nigeria’s industrial sector, knowledge that would prove crucial in her later advocacy work.

Social Entrepreneurship (2015-2018)

In 2015, Natasha founded the Builders Hub Impact Investment Program (BHIIP), marking her transition from purely legal work to social entrepreneurship. BHIIP was established as an integrated technology development and business growth hub aimed at fostering innovation and economic development in Nigeria.

The program partnered with significant government agencies including the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Small, Medium Enterprise Development Agency (SMEDAN) of Nigeria. Together, they established Nigeria’s first integrated technology development hub in Uyo, located in the coastal, oil-producing region of Nigeria. This initiative reflected her commitment to building inclusive resilient economies and supporting start-ups through innovation and indigenous technology development.

Her work with BHIIP demonstrated her understanding that economic development required more than just policy changes—it needed practical investment in infrastructure, technology, and human capacity building. This philosophy would later inform her political positions and advocacy work.

Rise to National Prominence (2018)

Natasha’s transition to national prominence came on March 1, 2018, when she presented an investigative report to the National Assembly that exposed corruption at the Ajaokuta Steel Mill. This presentation thrust her into the spotlight and established her as a fierce advocate for industrial development and anti-corruption efforts.

The report was controversial and faced strong opposition from the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, which accused her of misinformation. Various groups also alleged that she was sponsoring a campaign against the government. Despite these challenges, her findings resonated with many Nigerians who were frustrated by the decades-long failure to complete and operationalize the Ajaokuta Steel Complex.

Her courage in presenting this report earned her both admirers and enemies. The legal battles that followed demonstrated her willingness to stand by her findings. After a hearing by the High Court sitting in Abuja, The Authority Newspaper, Ifeanyi Ubah, and Williams Orji were ordered to pay 10 million naira to Akpoti for libelous publication against her, vindicating her stance.

Political Career Beginnings (2018-2022)

Natasha’s first foray into electoral politics came in 2018 when she contested for the Kogi Central Senatorial seat under the Social Democratic Party (SDP). She lost this election to the All Progressives Congress candidate, Abubakar Sadiku Ohere. Despite this setback, she remained undeterred in her political ambitions.

In 2019, she took on an even more ambitious challenge by running for Governor of Kogi State under the SDP platform in the gubernatorial election held on November 16, 2019. This race was highly contested and controversial, with allegations of electoral irregularities and violence. Although she did not win, the campaign further raised her profile and demonstrated her political courage and commitment to challenging the status quo in Kogi State politics.

In 2020, Natasha made a strategic decision to join the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), one of Nigeria’s major political parties. This move positioned her better for future electoral contests by giving her access to the party’s broader organizational structure and resources.

Historic Senate Victory (2023)

Natasha contested again for the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2023 general elections under the PDP platform. The initial election results declared her opponent the winner, but Natasha challenged the outcome in court, maintaining that the election had been rigged against her.

On October 31, 2023, in a landmark ruling, the Court of Appeal overturned the initial results and declared Natasha the legitimate winner of the Kogi Central Senatorial election. This victory was particularly significant as it made her the first elected female senator in Kogi State’s history, breaking a significant glass ceiling in the state’s political landscape.

Her election to the Senate represented a major milestone not just for her personally, but for women’s political participation in Kogi State and Nigeria more broadly. She brought to the Senate her expertise in law, business, and industrial development, as well as her reputation as a fearless advocate willing to challenge powerful interests.

Senate Tenure and Suspension (2023-2025)

Natasha’s time in the Senate has been marked by both achievement and significant controversy. She was awarded “Politician of the Year” in the 2023 Leadership Excellence Awards and won the This Day Senator of the Year award in 2025, recognizing her impact and advocacy work.

However, her tenure took a dramatic turn in February 2025 when a dispute arose over seating arrangements in the Senate chamber. Natasha was allocated a new seat following a routine administrative rearrangement, but she rejected the change and insisted on maintaining her old seat. When she attempted to address the Senate from her original seat, Senate President Godswill Akpabio insisted she speak only from the newly allocated position.

The disagreement escalated when Natasha publicly accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, alleging that he had made unwanted advances toward her on December 8, 2023, and that his opposition to her was rooted in her rejection of these advances. Akpabio denied the allegations and questioned their timing, suggesting they only emerged after changes to her committee assignments.

Natasha’s petition on the sexual harassment allegations was dismissed by the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges on procedural grounds—specifically that she had “signed it herself” rather than following proper procedure. The committee chair, Senator Imasuen, described the petition as “dead on arrival.” On March 6, 2025, following the committee’s report, Natasha was suspended from the Senate for six months for allegedly violating Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the 2023 Standing Orders. The suspension included barring her from her office, withholding her salary, and withdrawing her security details.

Despite a court order in July 2025 directing the lifting of her suspension as excessive, Natasha was still barred from entering the National Assembly building on July 22. She was also convicted of contempt and fined five million naira ($3,250) for violating a gag order on her suspension case. She has taken her case to international forums, including the United Nations Women in Parliament session in New York, insisting she will not apologize and calling for international intervention to hold the Nigerian Senate accountable.

Marriage and Family Life

First Marriage and Children

Natasha’s personal life has been as eventful and closely watched as her political career. At the age of 19, just a week after gaining admission to the University of Abuja in 1998, she got married to her first husband. From this marriage, she had her first son, Daniel, who was born months after the wedding while she was still a university student. The identity of her first husband has remained largely private, though the marriage eventually ended.

From subsequent relationships before her current marriage, Natasha had two more children: a son named Zein and a daughter named Nadia. There have been false allegations claiming she has six children from six different men, spread by political opponents, but credible sources confirm she has only four children in total.

Marriage to Emmanuel Uduaghan

On March 5, 2022, Natasha married Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri Kingdom, in a grand ceremony at her late father’s house in Obeiba-Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State. The wedding was a high-profile event attended by dignitaries from across Nigeria and celebrated as a union blending cultural diversity—her Kogi Central Ebira roots with his Delta State Itsekiri heritage.

Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, born January 26, 1970, is a prominent businessman, politician, engineer-turned-lawyer, and traditional ruler. He is the CEO of Webster Group of Companies and is related to former Delta State Governors Chief James Ibori and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan (not to be confused with the ex-governor). He was crowned Alema of Warri Kingdom in 2017 in recognition of his philanthropic work and contributions to the welfare of the Itsekiri people.

Their relationship reportedly began long before their marriage, with Emmanuel providing significant financial support for Natasha’s political campaigns, including allegedly financing her 2019 governorship bid and gifting her a white Rolls-Royce car. Their courtship and marriage have sparked both admiration and speculation about strategic political implications, particularly given Emmanuel’s connections to Delta State’s political establishment.

Children and Family Life

Natasha and Emmanuel have one child together, a son named Prince Reign Emmanuel Otuoze Toritsemotse Uduaghan, who celebrated his second birthday in 2025. Emmanuel also has three children from his previous marriage to Alero Uduaghan, his first wife whom he married in 2001 in Sapele, Delta State. It remains unclear whether Emmanuel and Alero formally divorced before his marriage to Natasha, leading to speculation that Natasha may be his second wife in a polygamous arrangement.

Despite her demanding political career and the controversies surrounding her Senate tenure, Natasha often expresses deep love for her children on social media. She describes herself as “Wife, Mother, Senator, Social Entrepreneur” in her Instagram bio, emphasizing that family remains central to her identity alongside her professional roles. She has spoken about the challenges of balancing motherhood with her political responsibilities, but maintains that her family provides the foundation and motivation for her public service work.

Career Timeline & Major Milestones

Net Worth and Financial Profile

Natasha Akpoti’s net worth is estimated to be between $2 million and $5 million as of 2025, though exact figures are difficult to verify. Her wealth comes from multiple sources accumulated throughout her diverse career as a lawyer, social entrepreneur, and politician.

Sources of Income

Her early career as a legal counsel at Brass LNG provided her with a solid financial foundation, as positions in the oil and gas sector are among the highest-paying in Nigeria. Her subsequent work with the Builders Hub Impact Investment Program, particularly through partnerships with government agencies like NDDC and SMEDAN, likely generated significant income through consulting fees and program implementation contracts.

Her political career, including her Senate position (before suspension), comes with substantial remuneration. Nigerian senators receive considerable salaries and allowances, though these have been suspended during her current six-month suspension. Her marriage to Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, whose net worth is estimated at around $50 million, has also significantly elevated her financial status, with access to resources that include luxury gifts like a Rolls-Royce and campaign financing.

Assets and Lifestyle

Natasha maintains a relatively public presence on social media, where she occasionally shares glimpses of her lifestyle. She has been photographed with luxury vehicles, attends high-profile events, and maintains residences in both Kogi State and Abuja. Her husband’s wealth as CEO of Webster Group of Companies and the Alema of Warri Kingdom has provided access to a comfortable lifestyle befitting their social status.

However, Natasha has also faced significant legal expenses throughout her career, including court battles over election results, defamation lawsuits she has filed, and ongoing legal representation in her Senate suspension case. These legal costs likely consume a substantial portion of her financial resources.

Achievements and Awards

Major Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Natasha Akpoti has received several prestigious awards recognizing her contributions to politics, women’s rights, and industrial development. In recognition of her advocacy for the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Mill, she received the presidential award from the Nigerian Society of Engineers in December 2017. This award acknowledged her courage in exposing corruption and pushing for the operationalization of one of Africa’s largest steel complexes.

Jewel Taylor, the former vice president of Liberia, awarded Natasha the African Women Leadership Award in recognition of her efforts promoting women’s rights and leadership in Africa. This international recognition positioned her as a voice for women’s political participation beyond Nigeria’s borders.

In 2023, she was named “Politician of the Year” in the Leadership Excellence Awards, an honor bestowed by the Nigerian media newspaper Leadership, which called her “a proven amazon in political circles.” In 2024, alongside Boma Goodhead, she was shortlisted for the African Iconic Women Recognition Awards (AIWRA). Most recently, she won the This Day Senator of the Year award in 2025, even amid the controversy surrounding her suspension.

Historic Political Achievement

Her most significant achievement remains her historic election as the first female senator from Kogi State in 2023. This breakthrough came after multiple unsuccessful attempts and demonstrated her persistence and the gradual acceptance of women in leadership positions in a traditionally conservative state. Her victory through a court ruling also highlighted her willingness to fight for electoral justice through legal means.

Advocacy Impact

Beyond formal awards, Natasha’s greatest achievement may be her role in bringing national attention to the Ajaokuta Steel Complex issue. For decades, this project had languished in corruption and neglect. Her 2018 investigative report to the National Assembly forced a national conversation about accountability in major infrastructure projects and demonstrated the power of individual advocacy in challenging systemic corruption.

Controversies and Challenges

Sexual Harassment Allegations and Senate Crisis

The most significant and ongoing controversy in Natasha’s career began in February 2025 when she publicly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. She alleged that Akpabio made unwanted advances toward her on December 8, 2023, and that his subsequent actions against her, including the seating arrangement dispute, were retaliatory because she rejected his advances.

Critics, including lawyer Olisa Agbakoba, pointed to contradictions in her timeline, noting that she had publicly praised Akpabio on social media the day after the alleged incident, a post she later deleted. The deletion of this post, along with the timing of the allegations only after the seating dispute, led many to question her credibility.

The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges dismissed her petition on procedural grounds without investigating the substance of her claims. Senator Imasuen, the committee chair, called it “dead on arrival” because she had signed it herself rather than following proper procedure. This dismissal frustrated many observers who wanted a full investigation of the serious allegations.

Her subsequent six-month suspension for violating Senate Standing Orders sparked significant debate. Supporters, including civil society groups like the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties and the Coalition of National Civil Society Organizations, condemned the suspension as excessive and called for transparent investigation. Business leader Atedo Peterside described it as “disturbing and disrespectful to her constituents.” Critics, however, argued that she had violated Senate rules and brought disrepute to the chamber.

Despite a court order in July 2025 declaring the suspension excessive and ordering its lifting, she was still barred from the National Assembly building on July 22 and fined five million naira for contempt. She has refused to apologize and has taken her case to international forums, including the United Nations, seeking international intervention.

Previous Controversies

This is not Natasha’s first controversy. Former presidential aide Reno Omokri publicly accused her of making false allegations against him during a previous incident. According to Omokri, Akpoti made a video insulting him, his wife, and his newborn daughter, which she later deleted. The matter was settled out of court after intervention by a Christian clergyman, with Omokri stating he was paid substantial damages. This history of making allegations that were later withdrawn or settled has been cited by critics as a pattern that undermines her current claims.

Her 2018 investigative report on Ajaokuta Steel was also controversial, with the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development accusing her of misinformation and various groups alleging she was sponsoring a campaign against the government. While she ultimately prevailed in defamation lawsuits, the controversy highlighted the risks of her confrontational approach to advocacy.

Electoral Disputes

Her 2023 senatorial election victory came only after a protracted court battle, with initial results declaring her opponent the winner. While the Court of Appeal ultimately ruled in her favor, the dispute raised questions about electoral integrity in Kogi State. Her opponents have suggested that her court victory was politically motivated, though no evidence supports these claims.

During the 2023 campaign, she faced numerous challenges, including allegations that roads in her district were excavated to restrict voters’ access, a claim that highlighted the intense opposition she faced from entrenched political interests.

Philanthropy and Social Impact

Despite the controversies surrounding her career, Natasha Akpoti has maintained a commitment to philanthropy and social development work that began with her father’s example of treating poor patients for free and paying school fees for underprivileged children.

Builders Hub Impact Investment Program

Her most significant philanthropic contribution is the Builders Hub Impact Investment Program (BHIIP), which she founded in 2015. The program focuses on fostering indigenous technology development, supporting start-ups, and building inclusive resilient economies. Through partnerships with NDDC and SMEDAN, BHIIP established technology development hubs that provide training, funding, and mentorship for young Nigerian entrepreneurs, particularly in underserved regions.

The program has funded scholarships and empowerment programs for young Nigerians, particularly women and youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. While specific numbers are not publicly available, the program’s partnerships with government agencies suggest it has reached hundreds, if not thousands, of beneficiaries.

Educational Support

Following her father’s legacy, Natasha has been involved in funding scholarships for students from Kogi State and other parts of Nigeria. Her advocacy for educational access and youth empowerment has been a consistent theme throughout her career, both through BHIIP and her personal initiatives.

Industrial Development Advocacy

Her advocacy for the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, while primarily a political and anti-corruption effort, also represents a form of social impact work. The potential completion and operationalization of Ajaokuta Steel would create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, stimulate industrial development, and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy. Her willingness to challenge powerful interests on this issue demonstrates a commitment to long-term development over short-term political calculations.

Women’s Empowerment

As the first elected female senator from Kogi State, Natasha serves as an important role model for women’s political participation. She has been actively involved in mentoring young women interested in politics and has used her platform to advocate for greater women’s representation in government and leadership positions. Her journey from a young mother navigating university to a senator demonstrates what is possible for women who persist despite societal barriers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How old is Natasha Akpoti?

Natasha Akpoti was born on December 9, 1979, making her 45 years old as of 2025.

2. Who is Natasha Akpoti’s husband?

Natasha is married to Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri Kingdom, whom she wed on March 5, 2022, in a grand ceremony in Kogi State.

3. How many children does Natasha Akpoti have?

Natasha has four children: Daniel (from her first marriage at age 19), Zein and Nadia (from subsequent relationships), and Prince Reign Emmanuel Uduaghan (with her current husband Emmanuel).

4. What is Natasha Akpoti’s net worth?

Natasha Akpoti’s net worth is estimated to be between $2 million and $5 million, derived from her legal career, social entrepreneurship, political position, and marriage to wealthy businessman Emmanuel Uduaghan.

5. Why was Natasha Akpoti suspended from the Senate?

Natasha was suspended from the Nigerian Senate for six months in March 2025 for allegedly violating Senate Standing Orders after accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment; her petition was dismissed on procedural grounds without investigation.

6. What is Natasha Akpoti’s tribe and religion?

Natasha is of Ebira tribe from Kogi State with mixed Nigerian-Ukrainian heritage through her Ukrainian mother; she was born Christian but reportedly converted to Islam.

7. What is the Builders Hub Impact Investment Program?

The Builders Hub Impact Investment Program (BHIIP) is a social enterprise founded by Natasha in 2015 that focuses on technology development, start-up support, and economic empowerment through partnerships with government agencies.

8. Is Natasha Akpoti still a senator?

Yes, Natasha technically remains the senator for Kogi Central Senatorial District, but she is currently serving a six-month suspension that began in March 2025 and bars her from the Senate chamber, her office, and withholds her salary.

9. What role did Natasha play in the Ajaokuta Steel Mill issue?

In March 2018, Natasha presented an investigative report to the National Assembly exposing corruption at Ajaokuta Steel Mill, bringing national attention to decades of mismanagement and earning her both praise and opposition from government officials.

10. Has Natasha Akpoti won any awards?

Yes, Natasha has received multiple awards including the African Women Leadership Award, presidential award from the Nigerian Society of Engineers (2017), “Politician of the Year” (2023), and “This Day Senator of the Year” (2025).