Godswill Obot Akpabio (born December 9, 1962) is a prominent Nigerian lawyer and politician, currently serving as the 15th President of the Nigerian Senate since June 13, 2023. His extensive career includes roles as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, and multiple terms as a senator representing Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District.
Early Life and Education:
Born in Ukana, Ikot Ntuen, Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio hails from a family with a rich political heritage. His grandfather, Okuku Udo Akpabio, served as a Warrant Chief in the Ikot Ekpene province, and his uncle, Dr. I. U. Akpabio, was a Minister of Education/Internal Affairs in Eastern Nigeria. After the early death of his father, Chief Obot Akpabio, he was raised by his mother, Madam Lucy Obot Akpabio (née Inyangetor).
Akpabio began his education at Methodist Primary School, Ukana, and proceeded to Federal Government College, Port Harcourt, where he served as Senior Prefect. He earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from the University of Calabar and was called to the Nigerian Bar after attending the Nigerian Law School.
Professional Career:
Before venturing into politics, Akpabio worked as a teacher and later joined the law firm Paul Usoro & Co. as an associate partner. He subsequently became the Managing Director and CEO of EMIS Telecoms Limited, a wireless telecommunications company based in Lagos. During this period, he also served as the National Publicity Secretary of the Association of Telecommunication Companies in Nigeria (ATCOM).
Political Career:
Akpabio’s political journey commenced in 2002 when he was appointed Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources in Akwa Ibom State by then-Governor Obong Victor Attah. He also held positions as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Commissioner for Lands and Housing.
In 2006, he won the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial primary and was elected Governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2007, serving two terms until 2015. His tenure was marked by significant infrastructural developments, including the construction of the Ibom International Airport, the Ibom Specialist Hospital, and extensive road networks.
Transitioning to national politics, Akpabio was elected as Senator representing Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District in 2015. He served as the Senate Minority Leader until his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2018.
In August 2019, he was appointed Minister for Niger Delta Affairs by President Muhammadu Buhari, a position he held until May 2022, when he resigned to contest the APC presidential primaries. Although he stepped down for Bola Tinubu during the primaries, he returned to contest and win the 2023 senatorial election. On June 13, 2023, Akpabio was elected President of the Nigerian Senate.
Personal Life:
Akpabio is married to Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, the founder of the Family Life Enhancement Initiative (FLEI), a non-governmental organization focused on family development and achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The couple has five children.
Honors and Recognition:
In recognition of his service, Akpabio was conferred with the national honor of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).
Senator Godswill Akpabio’s journey from a local teacher to one of Nigeria’s most influential politicians underscores his resilience, dedication, and impact on both state and national development.
