A mild drama unfolded during Tuesday’s plenary in the Senate as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) engaged in a brief disagreement over the Criminal Code Amendment Bill seeking tougher penalties for abortion-related offences.
The bill — sponsored in the House of Representatives and presented for concurrence by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele — proposes to raise the punishment for anyone aiding or procuring abortions from three years to 10 years’ imprisonment, without the option of a fine. It also seeks to align Nigeria’s criminal laws with “evolving social, moral, and medical realities.”
Debate on the bill quickly turned heated, with senators sharply divided over what constitutes an “unlawful abortion.”
Senator Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central) argued that abortion could be justified on medical or religious grounds in certain situations, warning against blanket criminalization. Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) similarly cautioned that harsher penalties could discourage doctors from offering life-saving medical interventions for pregnant women.
In response to the rising tension, Senate President Akpabio intervened, directing the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters to review the controversial provisions and report back within two weeks.
However, just after Akpabio’s ruling, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan raised her hand, appealing to be allowed to contribute:
“Mr Senate President, please may I speak? I am a woman, as abortion has to do with women. It is very important, sir.”
Akpabio, however, declined her request, saying the matter had been “stepped down in totality,” effectively ending the debate for the day.
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