Senator Barinada Mpigi, representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District and chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, has passed away at the age of 64 following a period of illness.
The news of his death was announced on Thursday during a budget defense session of the Senate Committee on Culture, Arts, and Creative Economy, led by Chairman Ogoshi Onawo, who represents Nasarawa South.
Members of the committee observed a minute’s silence in honor of the late lawmaker.
Mpigi’s death occurred in the early hours of Thursday, with some reports indicating he had been battling a prolonged illness and passed away in London.
The exact cause of death has not been officially disclosed, though family sources and colleagues confirmed the loss amid widespread tributes.
Akin Alabi, chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, was among the first to publicly confirm the news via a post on X, writing: “Good night my dear friend. Rest in Peace, Senator Mpigi Barinada. Sen Mpigi represented Rivers South East in the Senate.”
In recent months, Deputy Chairman Rufai Hanga had presided over several meetings of the Works Committee, including budget sessions, as Mpigi’s health declined.
Mpigi was a prominent figure in Rivers State politics, known for his extensive grassroots network and strong engagement with constituents.
He was a close ally of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and had been one of the senators from Rivers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December 2025.
Of Ogoni extraction, Mpigi was regarded as a leading political voice in the state and a steadfast advocate for development in the Niger Delta region.
His legislative career began in 2011 when he was first elected to the House of Representatives for the Eleme/Tai/Oyigbo federal constituency.
He was re-elected in 2015 and transitioned to the Senate in 2019, securing re-election in 2023.
During the 9th Assembly, he chaired a joint Senate committee investigating crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, addressing critical issues like pipeline vandalism and revenue losses.
As chairman of the Works Committee in the 10th Senate, Mpigi focused on advancing Nigeria’s road infrastructure through legislation and oversight.
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin described Mpigi as a patriot committed to national development, noting his contributions both in and outside the Senate.
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara expressed shock and sadness, calling Mpigi a “brother, consummate politician, and one of the leading lights in the state,” whose services were needed at a critical time.
The Nigerian Southern Senators’ Forum, where Mpigi served as general secretary, mourned his passing as a “profound loss” to the Senate, Rivers State, and the nation.
In a statement signed by Chairman Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, the forum praised his dedication, humility, and integrity, commiserating with his family, constituents, and the people of Rivers State.
Mpigi’s death marks the fourth in the 10th Senate since its inauguration in June 2023.
Previous losses include Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (Anambra South) in July 2024, Senator Okey Ezea (Enugu North) in November 2025, and Senator Godiya Akwashiki (Nasarawa North) in December 2025.
Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced, but condolences continue to flood in from lawmakers, political allies, and constituents.
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