Godswill Akpabio has been a telecoms executive, a two-term governor of Akwa Ibom, a federal minister and, since June 2023, President of the Senate — the head of Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber. Here is how he got there and what the job involves.
Quick facts
| Full name | Godswill Obot Akpabio |
|---|---|
| Born | 9 December 1962, Ukana, Essien Udim LGA, Akwa Ibom State |
| Office | President of the Senate (since 13 June 2023) |
| Party | All Progressives Congress (APC), since 2018; previously PDP |
| Previous offices | Minister of Niger Delta Affairs (2019–2022); Senate Minority Leader (2015–2018); Governor of Akwa Ibom (2007–2015) |
| Education | Law degree, University of Calabar; called to the Nigerian Bar |
| Spouse | Ekaette Unoma Akpabio |
| 2027 | APC candidate for Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial district |
Early life and education
Akpabio was born in Ukana, in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. He lost his father at a young age and was raised by his mother. He attended Methodist Primary School in Ukana and Federal Government College, Port Harcourt, before studying law at the University of Calabar, where he was active in student politics.
Lawyer and telecoms executive
After a short spell as a teacher, he practised law, including as an associate partner at the firm of Paul Usoro & Co. He then moved into business and became Managing Director of EMIS Telecoms Limited, an early private telecoms firm.
Commissioner and governor
In 2002 Governor Victor Attah appointed him Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources; he later handled Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Lands and Housing. In 2007 he won the governorship on the PDP platform and was re-elected in 2011.
His administration branded itself the “uncommon transformation”. It is best remembered for large road projects across the state, free and compulsory education programmes, and landmark buildings such as the stadium in Uyo that now bears his name, which hosted international football matches. Critics, however, questioned the cost of these projects and the state’s spending; anti-corruption agencies looked into some allegations, but he has not been convicted of any offence.
Senate, the switch to APC and the ministry
Akpabio went to the Senate in 2015 for Akwa Ibom North-West and became Senate Minority Leader for the PDP. In August 2018 he defected to the APC. He lost his Senate seat in the 2019 election, but President Buhari appointed him Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, a role he held until 2022, when he stepped down to contest the APC presidential primary. He later withdrew from that race in favour of Bola Tinubu.
Senate President
Akpabio returned to the Senate in 2023 and, with the backing of the APC leadership, was elected President of the Senate on 13 June 2023, defeating Abdulaziz Yari by 63 votes to 46. His time in office has included major legislation such as the tax reform bills, but also heated moments — including a highly publicised 2025 dispute with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, which led to her suspension and to allegations that he denied.
What does the Senate President do?
- Presides over sittings of the 109-member Senate and keeps order during debates;
- Chairs joint sittings of the National Assembly (Senate and House together);
- Is third in line in the order of protocol after the President and Vice President;
- Signs bills passed by the National Assembly before they go to the President for assent.
How a bill becomes law in Nigeria (quick guide)
A bill is introduced in either chamber, read a first and second time, sent to a committee for review and public hearing, then debated and passed. The other chamber must pass the same version. It then goes to the President, who has 30 days to sign it. If he refuses, the National Assembly can override him with a two-thirds majority in both chambers.
