Senator Godswill Akpabio Biography, Age, Family, Net Worth

Senator Godswill Akpabio is a Nigerian lawyer and politician currently serving as the 15th President of the Nigerian Senate since 2023. He was first elected as a Senator for Akwa Ibom North-West in 2015 but lost his seat in the 2019 elections. However, he won again in 2023. From 2019 to 2022, he was the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs but resigned to run for the Senate. Before that, he was the Governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2007 to 2015.

Senator Godswill Akpabio Biography

Godswill Akpabio was born on December 9, 1962, in Ukana Ikot Ntuen, Akwa Ibom State. He came from humble beginnings and worked his way up to become a well-known figure in Nigerian politics. He is the son of Chief Obot Akpabio and Madam Lucy Obot Akpabio from Ukana Ikot Ntuen in Essien Udim Local Government Area. Sadly, he lost his father at a young age and was raised by his mother, who played a significant role in shaping his early life and values. Despite the challenges, he remained determined and focused, eventually building a successful career in law and politics.

Senator Godswill Akpabio Educational Background

Akpabio began his education at Methodist Primary School in Ukana, Essien Udim LGA, Akwa Ibom State. He then attended the Federal Government College in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he served as the Senior Prefect. He later pursued a Law degree at the University of Calabar in Cross River State. While at the university, he took on a leadership role and was elected Speaker of the Student Union Government (SUG) for the 1987/88 academic session.

Senator Godswill Akpabio Career

After completing his law degree and being called to the Nigerian Bar, Akpabio briefly worked as a teacher before starting his legal career. He joined Paul Usoro and Co., a well-known law firm in Nigeria, as an associate partner. Later, he moved to EMIS Telecoms Limited, a wireless telecommunications company in Lagos, where he rose to the position of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer by 2002.

During this time, he also played an active role in the telecommunications industry, serving as the National Publicity Secretary of the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCOM) while also being a director at EMIS.

Akpabio’s political career began when he was appointed Commissioner for Special Duties and Petroleum Resources in Akwa Ibom State. In 2006, he contested in the governorship primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and emerged as the party’s candidate, defeating 57 other aspirants. His campaign gained widespread support, leading to his election as Governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2007. He was re-elected for a second term in 2011.

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Road To The Senate

After serving as Governor, Akpabio transitioned into the Nigerian Senate, representing Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District from 2015 to 2019. As a senator, he actively participated in legislative debates and policymaking.

In the 2015 elections, he ran under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and won the Senate seat with 422,009 votes, defeating Chief Inibehe Okorie of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who received 15,152 votes. Following his victory, the PDP’s South-South caucus nominated him as Senate Minority Leader, a position confirmed by the party’s caucus in the Senate. He was officially announced as Minority Leader on July 28, 2015. However, in 2018, he resigned from the role after defecting to the APC, an event marked by a political rally in his hometown, Ikot Ekpene.

In July 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari nominated Akpabio for a ministerial position. On August 21, 2019, he was sworn in as the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs.

In June 2022, Akpabio resigned from his ministerial role to contest in the APC presidential primaries but later stepped down in favor of Bola Tinubu. Shortly after, he was named the APC’s senatorial candidate for Akwa Ibom North-West, though the process was met with controversy. In the 2023 general elections, he won the Senate seat again, securing 115,401 votes against PDP’s Emmanuel Enoidem, who got 69,838 votes.

On June 13, 2023, Akpabio was elected as the President of the Nigerian Senate, defeating Senator Abdulaziz Yari with 63 votes to 46.

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Senator Godswill Akpabio Age

Senator Godswill Akpabio was born on 9 December 1962, he is 63 years old as of 2025.

Senator Godswill Akpabio Media Controversies

Senator Godswill Akpabio faces controversy following sexual harassment allegations by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The dispute began over a Senate seating arrangement, leading to claims of inappropriate advances. While the Senate spokesperson insisted no action would be taken without a formal petition, the women’s rights group Womanifesto called for an investigation and Akpabio’s resignation.

In February 2025, during an interview on Arise Television, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan directly accused Akpabio of harassment. In response, Akpabio’s wife, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, filed two defamation lawsuits at the Federal High Court in Abuja, demanding ₦350 billion in damages for reputational harm. Meanwhile, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s husband, the Alema of Warri Kingdom, publicly supported her, reaffirming his confidence in her claims. Despite growing concerns, the Senate has yet to initiate a formal investigation.

In May 2020, Akpabio was summoned by the House of Representatives over the alleged misappropriation of ₦40 billion.

Godswill Akpabio was investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations that he diverted over ₦100 billion from Akwa Ibom State during his tenure as governor (2007–2015). American diplomats reportedly described the level of corruption during his administration as “exceptional.” However, no formal charges were filed against him. A lawyer, Leo Ekpenyong, who also accused Akpabio of corruption, was later taken to court for defamation.

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Senator Godswill Akpabio Awards And Honors

Throughout his career as a politician, lawyer, and CEO, Senator Godswill Akpabio has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his contributions and achievements:

International Honors

• Congressional Certificate of Recognition from the United States Congress (2011).
• Africa Lifetime Achievement Prize, awarded by the Millennium Excellence Foundation in Kenya.
• Gold Humanitarian Services Award (2008), conferred by Niger’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Alhaji Moussa Ibrahim.
• Best Governor for Infrastructure Development (2009), awarded by BEN Television, London.
• Honorary Citizen of Georgia, New Jersey, USA.

National Honors

• Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
• Best Governor for Infrastructure and Empowerment (2012), awarded by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
• Most Prolific Governor by the National Councillors’ Forum.

Academic & Professional Honors

• Honorary Doctorate in Management Science – Nigeria Defence Academy (2011).
• Honorary Doctorate in Law – University of Nigeria, Nsukka (2010).
• Honorary Doctorate in Law – University of Calabar (2009).
• Honorary Doctorate in Law – University of Uyo (2009).
• Honorary Doctorate in Public Administration – Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (2009).
• Honorary Doctorate in Management Science – Federal University of Technology, Owerri (2011).
• Honorary Doctorate in Public Administration – Enugu State University of Science and Technology (2013).
• Honorary Doctorate in Human Resource Management – Wesley University of Science and Technology, Ondo.
• Honorary Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (2010) – One of only 14 non-engineers to receive this honor.
• Fellow, Kazaure Polytechnic (2008).
• Fellow, Yaba College of Technology (2011).
• Fellow, College of Education, Bichi.
• Most Education-Friendly Governor in Nigeria (2008), awarded by the National Parent-Teacher Association.
• Best Booster Governor Award for Science, Technology, and Mathematics, awarded by the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria.
• Goodwill Ambassador, Nigerian Medical Association.

Media Honors

• Best Governor in Africa, awarded by Africa Development Magazine.
• Governor of the Year 2012, awarded by Leadership Newspaper.
• Man of the Year 2011, awarded by The Sun Newspaper.
• Best Governor in Nigeria & Outstanding Human Brand (2010), awarded by Billboard World.
• Man of the Year 2010, awarded by National Daily Newspaper.
• Governor of the Year 2010, awarded by Nigerian Tribune.
• Award of Excellence for Outstanding Performance 2010, awarded by the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
• Nigeria’s Emerging Tiger (2009), awarded by ThisDay Newspaper.
• Man of the Year 2009, awarded by Daily Independent Newspaper.
• Man of the Year 2009, awarded by National Daily Newspaper.
• 2008 Most Outstanding Governor in Nigeria (South-South), awarded by National Daily Newspaper.
• Governor of the Year (South-South), awarded by City People Magazine.
• Best Governor for Infrastructure (2009), awarded by Encomium Magazine.
• Best Governor (South-South), awarded by Encomium Magazine.
• Excellency Award for Best Governor (South-South, 2009), awarded by Global Excellence Magazine.

Senator Godswill Akpabio Family and Personal Life

Akpabio comes from a family with a strong background in leadership and public service. His grandfather, Okuku Udo Akpabio, was a Warrant Chief in Ikot Ekpene province. His uncle, Dr. I. U. Akpabio, served as the Minister of Education and Internal Affairs in the former Eastern Nigeria, while his cousin, Justice Nsima Akpabio, was a senator during the Second Nigerian Republic.

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Senator Godswill Akpabio Religion

He is a practicing Christian and a devoted member of the Catholic faith, actively participating in religious activities and community services.

Senator Godswill Akpabio’s Wife

Akpabio is married to Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, the founder of the Family Life Enhancement Initiative (FLEI), a non-governmental organization that supports families as a means of driving development and achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Ekaette Akpabio was born on June 9, 1971, to the late Godwin and Beatrice Nkemdilim Ejike, both from Ozom Aguobu-Owa in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State. Through her marriage to former Governor Godswill Akpabio, she became a citizen of Akwa Ibom State and has made a significant impact there.

She earned a degree in Mathematics from Abia State University, Uturu. A devout Catholic, she is deeply committed to charitable work and community service.

Senator Godswill Akpabio Children

The couple has five children: four daughters and one son. Despite their father’s high-profile status, Akpabio’s children have maintained a relatively private life, focusing on their education and careers.

Unwana Akpabio, the eldest daughter, pursued higher education abroad, earning degrees in business administration and management.

Emem Akpabio, the second daughter, chose a career in law. She studied at top law schools in Nigeria and abroad, earning an LLB from a prestigious university in the UK. After completing her legal training at the Nigerian Law School, she was called to the Nigerian Bar, beginning a promising legal career.

Nsentip Akpabio, the third daughter, is passionate about creative arts, particularly fashion and design. She studied fashion design at a renowned international school and specializes in African-inspired fashion, blending Nigerian culture with modern styles.

Imaobong Akpabio, the fourth daughter, pursued a degree in International Relations and Diplomacy. With a keen interest in global governance and foreign policy, she is particularly focused on African politics, international development, and peacebuilding. Her education has provided her with a strong foundation in global affairs.

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Senator Godswill Akpabio Luxury cars and Private Jet

During his time as governor, Akpabio reportedly purchased a private jet worth $45 million. A few months later, he acquired several bulletproof luxury vans from Texas Armoring Corporation (TAC), a U.S.-based company specializing in armored vehicles. According to sources, the Mercedes-Benz vans were customized to his specifications before being delivered. These vehicles were added to his already impressive fleet of high-end bulletproof luxury SUVs used in his official convoy.

Senator Godswill Akpabio Net Worth

Senators in Nigeria are among the highest-paid politicians, earning significant incomes from their business ventures, influential connections, and generous salaries. According to Forbes, Godswill Akpabio’s net worth is estimated to be around ₦13.7 billion. Most of his wealth comes from his political career and his time as a candidate for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Senator Godswill Akpabio Social Media Handles

Senator Godswill Akpabio actively engages with his supporters on social media, sharing his political views and updates:

• Instagram: @godswill_akpabio
• Twitter X: @President of the Senate.