The bill, earlier passed by the House of Representatives and presented for concurrence by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, proposes a 10-year jail term — up from the current three years — for anyone who supplies drugs or instruments to facilitate abortions.
According to Bamidele, the bill aims to update Nigeria’s Criminal Code Act in line with “evolving social, moral, and medical realities.”
However, the debate became tense as senators disagreed over what qualifies as an “unlawful abortion.”
Senator Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central) argued that abortion could be medically or religiously justified in certain cases and should not always be treated as a criminal offence.
Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) also cautioned that the bill could discourage doctors from taking life-saving actions for patients with complications, urging that the proposal be stepped down for further consultations.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio later ruled that the bill be referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters for further review within two weeks — a motion that was adopted through a voice vote.
Moments after the ruling, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) raised her hand to speak, appealing that as a woman, her opinion on the matter was crucial.
“Mr. Senate President, please may I speak? I am a woman, as abortion has to do with women,” she pleaded.
Akpabio, however, declined her request, stating that the matter had already been stepped down “in totality.”
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) supported the Senate President’s ruling, warning that allowing Natasha to speak after the motion had been concluded would breach Senate rules.
“I rule Senator Natasha out of order,” Akpabio declared, citing Rule 52 (Sub-6) of the Senate Standing Orders.
After plenary, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed disappointment at being denied the opportunity to contribute, stating that she felt excluded from a conversation directly affecting women’s rights and health.
“I am a woman, a mother, and I should have been recognised to speak — especially since only two women were present in the chamber today,” she said.
The senator, who recently returned from a six-month suspension, reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for women’s issues and vowed to make her contributions when the bill returns at the committee stage.
