Senate Wants Late Niger Lawmaker, Kontagora, Immortalised

The Senate on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to immortalise former Niger North lawmaker, Senator Ibrahim Kontagora, who died on August 7, 2025, in Abuja, by naming a federal institution or public monument in his honour.

Kontagora’s death  has renewed public debate over Nigeria’s inadequate healthcare system, following reports that he died in a private hospital where he had been receiving treatment.

Kontagora, who represented Niger North in the Senate between 2011 and 2015, was widely regarded as a grassroots politician and an advocate for rural development during his tenure.

His contributions to legislative debates, especially on agriculture and infrastructure financing, earned him respect among colleagues and constituents alike.

The motion to immortalise him was moved by Senator Abubakar Bello (Niger North), who highlighted Kontagora’s service and influence in the political landscape of Niger State.

“I urge the Senate to engage the government to immortalise him by naming federal institutions or monuments in Niger State after him,” Bello said.

The chamber thereafter observed a minute of silence in honour of the late lawmaker.

When the motion was put to a voice vote, the majority of senators supported it. Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, affirmed the resolution.

“The Senate agreed that a monument be named after him and a delegation sent to Niger on condolence visit. May the soul of our dear colleague rest in peace,” Barau said.

With the resolution, the Senate’s leadership is expected to transmit its position to the executive arm for necessary action, in line with longstanding parliamentary tradition of honouring deceased former lawmakers who made notable contributions to national development.