Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is a Nigerian senator born December 9, 1979. First female Kogi senator. Mixed Nigerian-Ukrainian heritage. Net worth $2.5M. Full biography here.
Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most courageous political figures. Born December 9, 1979, in Ilorin, Kwara State, she is a lawyer, entrepreneur, and senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. At 46, she made history as the first elected female senator in Kogi State. Her multicultural background, bold activism, and fearless confrontation of powerful figures have made her a household name across Nigeria.
Quick Facts About Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan |
| Date of Birth | December 9, 1979 |
| Age | 46 years (as of February 2026) |
| Birthplace | Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria |
| Origin | Obeiba-Ihima, Kogi State |
| Tribe | Ebira |
| Profession | Senator, Lawyer, Entrepreneur |
| Political Party | People’s Democratic Party (PDP) |
| Position | Senator, Kogi Central (2023-present) |
| Spouse | Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan (m. 2022) |
| Children | Four (3 sons, 1 daughter) |
| Net Worth | $2.5 Million (approx.) |
| Education | LL.B, MBA in Oil & Gas Management |
Early Life and Heritage
Natasha was born to Dr. Jimoh Abdul Akpoti, a Nigerian medical doctor from Obeiba-Ihima, Kogi State, and Ludmila Kravchenk, a Ukrainian from Chernivtsi. They met in the Soviet Union where Dr. Akpoti studied medicine at Bogomolets Medical University. As the second of four children and only daughter, Natasha grew up in Ebiraland. Her father’s philanthropy—treating poor patients free and supporting school children—shaped her commitment to public service. Her mixed heritage brought challenges, including childhood teasing, but strengthened her resilience. Her father passed away November 3, 1998, when she was 19.
Education
Natasha attended Christ the King Nursery and Primary School in Okene (where she was social prefect), Government Girls Unity Secondary School Oboroke, and Federal Government College Idoani, where she became Head Girl. She graduated in 1997 with distinctions. Three weeks after her father’s death, she gained admission to University of Abuja to study law. She married at 19 and had her first son Daniel shortly after. She earned her LL.B in 2004 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2005. She later obtained an MBA in Oil and Gas Management and a Postgraduate Diploma in Petroleum Law and Policies from the University of Dundee, Scotland (2012), plus specialized certifications in energy law.
Career and Ajaokuta Steel Activism
After her call to bar, Natasha worked as legal counsel at Brass LNG (2007-2010), gaining expertise in Nigeria’s energy sector. In 2015, she founded the Builders Hub Impact Investment Program (BHIIP), a social enterprise creating jobs through revival of Nigeria’s neglected industries. On March 1, 2018, she presented an explosive investigative report to the National Assembly exposing corruption at Ajaokuta Steel Mill. Her report detailed decades of fund wastage and embezzlement keeping the plant moribund. This drew fierce opposition from the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel, with some publications attacking her. She successfully sued for libel, winning ten million naira. Her courage earned her the Nigerian Society of Engineers’ presidential award (December 2017) and the African Women Leadership Award from Liberia’s former vice president Jewel Taylor.
Political Journey
Natasha’s political career began in 2018 when she ran for Kogi Central Senate under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), losing to the APC candidate. Undeterred, she contested again in 2019 for the same seat and also ran for Kogi State governor under SDP, both unsuccessfully. Her persistence paid off in 2023 when she contested for Kogi Central under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Although initially declared the loser, the Court of Appeal reversed the decision and declared her winner, making her the first elected female senator in Kogi State history.
Senate Controversies
In February 2025, Natasha alleged on Arise TV that Senate President Godswill Akpabio sexually harassed her on December 8, 2023, claims he firmly denied. On February 20, 2025, she confronted Akpabio for relocating her seat without notice. When she refused to move and attempted to speak, she was ruled out of order. Her sexual harassment petition was dismissed on technicalities. On March 6, 2025, the Senate suspended her for six months citing violations including speaking without recognition and refusing her assigned seat. The suspension included denial of office access, salary withholding, and security withdrawal. Civil society groups including SERAP condemned the action. Atedo Peterside called it disturbing. In July 2025, Justice Binta Nyako ruled the suspension excessive, but the Senate initially denied her return. In February 2026, the Court of Appeal affirmed the Senate’s suspension power but set aside the five million naira fine. Her suspension ended September 2025, and she was eventually readmitted.
Personal Life
Natasha married her first husband in 1998 at age 19, which produced her son Daniel (born April 16, 1999). That marriage ended, and she later had two more children including Zein (born April 2006). On March 5, 2022, she married Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri (born January 26, 1970). They have one son, Prince Reign-Emmanuel, born July 12, 2022. She has four children total. Standing about 5’6″ with natural curly hair, she has over 130,000 Instagram followers (@natashaakpoti).
Awards and Net Worth
Natasha was named “Politician of the Year” in the 2023 Leadership Excellence Awards and won This Day Senator of the Year award in 2025. She was shortlisted for the African Iconic Women Recognition Awards in 2024. As of 2026, her estimated net worth is $2.5 million (about ₦3.75 billion), derived from legal practice, BHIIP ventures, senatorial income, and investments. She lives in Abuja and drives luxury vehicles including a customized 2023 Maybach gifted by her husband.
Impact and Legacy
Natasha represents the courage to challenge power structures in Nigerian politics. Her willingness to expose corruption despite risks has inspired young Nigerians, especially women. As Kogi State’s first female senator, she shattered barriers for greater female representation. Her multicultural heritage symbolizes Nigeria’s diversity, while her persistence through defeats and controversies demonstrates resilience. She has consistently prioritized principle over popularity in advocating for industrial revival, women’s rights, and accountability.
Conclusion
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s journey from losing her father at 19 while starting university to becoming Kogi’s first female senator exemplifies extraordinary courage. Her Ajaokuta activism, confrontation of alleged harassment, and refusal to be silenced despite suspension have made her a symbol of resistance. At 46, her story continues to unfold. Whether remembered as whistleblower, trailblazer, or resistance symbol, she has indelibly marked Nigerian politics. Her legacy inspires Nigerians who believe in accountability and the right to speak truth to power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan?
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is a Nigerian senator, lawyer, and social entrepreneur representing Kogi Central Senatorial District since 2023. Born December 9, 1979, she is the first elected female senator in Kogi State history. She is of mixed Nigerian-Ukrainian heritage and is known for her activism and bold political stance.
Q2: What is Natasha Akpoti’s age?
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is 46 years old as of February 2026. She was born on December 9, 1979, and will celebrate her 47th birthday on December 9, 2026. She is a Sagittarius by zodiac sign.
Q3: What is Natasha Akpoti’s net worth?
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s estimated net worth is approximately $2.5 million (about ₦3.75 billion) as of 2026. Her wealth comes from her legal career, entrepreneurial ventures, senatorial position, and investments. She drives luxury vehicles including a Maybach and resides in Abuja.
Q4: Who is Natasha Akpoti’s husband?
Natasha Akpoti is married to Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri. They got married on March 5, 2022, in a ceremony held at Ihima, Kogi State. Together they have one son, Prince Reign-Emmanuel, born July 12, 2022. This is her second marriage.
Q5: Why was Natasha Akpoti suspended from the Senate?
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months in March 2025 after refusing to move to a reassigned seat and making sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The Senate cited violations of Standing Orders. The suspension ended in September 2025, though it sparked national controversy and legal battles.
Q6: What is Natasha Akpoti famous for?
Natasha is famous for exposing corruption at Ajaokuta Steel Mill in 2018, becoming Kogi State’s first female senator, and courageously alleging sexual harassment against Senate President Akpabio. She is also known for founding the Builders Hub Impact Investment Program and her persistent political campaigns despite multiple electoral defeats.
Q7: How many children does Natasha Akpoti have?
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has four children: three sons and one daughter. Her first son Daniel was born in 1999 from her first marriage. She has two other children from previous relationships, including her son Zein (born 2006). Her youngest child, Prince Reign-Emmanuel, was born in 2022 with her current husband.
