Nigeria’s National Assembly and political circles were thrown into mourning on Thursday, February 19, 2026 after Barinada Mpigi, the Senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District, passed away at the age of 64 following a brief illness. 

Senator Mpigi, who served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, was widely recognised for his legislative experience, longstanding service to his constituents and his contributions to national infrastructure oversight. 

Born on June 23, 1961, Mpigi began his political journey in the House of Representatives, where he was first elected in 2011 and successfully re-elected in 2016. After eight years at the lower chamber, he advanced to the Senate in 2019 representing Rivers South-East under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, and was re-elected in 2023 to continue his work in the federal legislature. 

Throughout his tenure, Mpigi took on leadership roles on several key committees. Before his passing, he chaired the Senate Committee on Works, a powerful panel responsible for legislative oversight of federal road and infrastructure projects across Nigeria. In the Ninth National Assembly, he also led a special joint Senate committee charged with investigating crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region — a matter of significant concern given Nigeria’s reliance on oil revenue. 

Beyond his committee leadership, he was known for consistently engaging with his constituents and supporting community development projects, including educational initiatives and grassroots programmes in his district. 

The news of Mpigi’s passing cast a sombre mood through the Senate, with lawmakers instantly observing moments of silence in his honour. During a session of the Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism, his colleagues remembered him as a dedicated legislator whose contributions spanned more than a decade of national service. 

Tributes also flowed from across political divides. Leaders from the House of Representatives and members of the Senate honoured his memory on social platforms, while many Nigerians expressed shock and sadness at the loss of a representative known for his grassroots influence. 

In Siminalayi Fubara’s tribute, the Rivers State Governor described Mpigi as “a brother, a consummate politician and one of the leading lights in Rivers State,” acknowledging that his leadership was needed even at this critical moment. 

Senator Barinada Mpigi’s death marks a significant moment for both Rivers State and the Nigerian legislature. As chairman of the Works Committee, he played a vital role in shaping discussions around infrastructure development. His work investigating oil theft in the Niger Delta placed him at the forefront of national efforts to protect Nigeria’s economic stability. 

Mpigi’s career also reflected the broader narrative of public service in Nigeria, moving from grassroots representation in the House of Representatives to national legislative leadership. His passing is the latest among several losses within the current National Assembly, and discussions are expected about the political implications for Rivers South-East and deliberations on who will fill the vacancy.