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The Nigerian Senate was thrown into mourning on Thursday with the passing of Senator Barinada Mpigi, who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District and chaired the Senate Committee on Works. Mpigi died at the age of 64 after a brief illness, according to a National Assembly source.
Mpigi’s death comes as a heavy blow to the Senate, where he was a respected figure, particularly in his role overseeing federal road infrastructure through the Committee on Works.
He had dedicated much of his political career to public service, having been first elected to the House of Representatives in 2011, where he served until 2019. That year, Mpigi transitioned to the Senate after securing a seat to represent Rivers South-East under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In the ninth Assembly, Mpigi earned recognition for his leadership as chair of the joint Senate committee that investigated the rampant issue of crude oil theft in the Niger Delta—a crucial task amidst the nation’s struggles with pipeline vandalism and diminishing oil revenues.
News of Mpigi’s death cast a sombre shadow over Senate proceedings on Thursday, with lawmakers gathered for budget defence sessions. A minute’s silence was observed in his honour, with tributes continuing from different quarters.
Mpigi’s passing follows the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki, representing Nasarawa North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, who died a couple of months ago at 52.
