February 19, 2026 l Dalena Reporters
Nigeria’s National Assembly has been plunged into mourning following the death of Senator Barinada Mpigi, the respected Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works and representative of the Rivers South-East Senatorial District. The lawmaker died on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the age of 64 after a prolonged illness, according to multiple official and media confirmations.
Senator Mpigi’s passing was formally acknowledged during Senate proceedings on Thursday, with committee members observing a minute of silence in his honour. His colleague, Senator Ogoshi Onawo, disclosed the news during a committee session as lawmakers paused legislative business to reflect on the loss.
Born on June 23, 1961, Mpigi’s political career spanned more than a decade in Nigeria’s legislature. He first entered the House of Representatives in 2011, representing the Eleme/Tai/Oyigbo Federal Constituency, and was re-elected in 2016. In 2019, he successfully contested to become Senator for Rivers South-East, a position he held until his death. During his time in the Senate, he also chaired a joint committee investigating crude-oil theft in the Niger Delta and became a key voice on federal infrastructure oversight.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Mpigi played a central role in legislative oversight of Nigeria’s road and infrastructure projects, shaping policy and monitoring execution on behalf of millions of citizens. His leadership was widely recognised across political lines, and he was regarded as a consummate public servant devoted to constituency development and national service.
Political leaders and associates have paid tribute to the late senator. Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara described Mpigi as both “a brother” and “one of the leading lights” of Rivers politics, noting that his death came at a critical time when his experience was still required. Fubara prayed for comfort for the family and constituents during this period of sorrow.
His passing marks a somber moment for the 10th National Assembly, which has now recorded multiple losses among serving senators. Mpigi’s death deepens the sense of grief within Nigeria’s legislature and raises questions about the political future of the Rivers South-East seat as lawmakers prepare for necessary succession processes.
Tributes are expected to continue in the coming days as members of the Senate and political stakeholders reflect on Mpigi’s significant contributions to national governance and infrastructure development.