Senate Works Committee Chairman Barinada Mpigi dies at 64

By James Ike

Nigeria’s political landscape has been thrown into mourning following the death of Senator Barinada Mpigi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works. He was 64 years old.

According to Peoples Gazette, a source confirmed that the lawmaker passed away on Thursday. As of the time of filing this report, the exact cause of his death had not been made public.

Born on June 23, 1961, Mpigi represented the Rivers South-East Senatorial District in the Senate until his passing. He was widely regarded as an experienced legislator with a strong presence in the National Assembly.

Mpigi’s journey at the federal legislature began in 2011 when he was elected into the House of Representatives. He later secured re-election in 2016, serving a second term and consolidating his influence within parliamentary circles.

In 2019, he advanced to the Senate under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, continuing his representation of Rivers South-East Senatorial District. His elevation to the upper chamber marked a new chapter in his legislative career.

During the Ninth Assembly, Mpigi chaired a joint Senate committee established to investigate crude oil theft in the Niger Delta. The assignment placed him at the forefront of legislative efforts to curb oil theft and address economic sabotage in the region.

As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, he played a critical role in overseeing federal road and infrastructure projects nationwide, contributing to debates and supervision tied to key development initiatives.

Tributes are expected from colleagues, constituents, and political stakeholders as news of his passing spreads. His death marks the end of a career defined by years of legislative service and involvement in national development matters.