Asuquo Ekpenyong (Sen.)
Cross river | Senator
Cross river | Senator
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong is a Nigerian politician, financial analyst, entrepreneur, and public administrator who currently represents Cross River South Senatorial District in the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Born on 25 August 1985 in Eniong Abatim, Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, he is recognized as one of Nigeria's youngest serving senators and has built a reputation for his contributions to public finance, governance, and legislative service.
Ekpenyong received his secondary education at King's College, Lagos, one of Nigeria's leading secondary schools. He later attended the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics in 2007. He further obtained a Master's degree in International Banking and Financial Services in 2008, graduating with distinction. Throughout his career, he has also participated in several executive leadership and professional development programmes.
Before entering politics, Asuquo Ekpenyong worked as a financial analyst in Lagos. He later served as a lecturer in the Department of Banking and Finance at the University of Calabar, where he taught for two years. He also founded Iquasu Ventures Limited, a logistics company, and held executive positions in the financial and energy sectors, including serving as Executive Director for Finance at Pearland Energy and as a board member of Ekondo Microfinance Bank.
His political career began in 2015 when he was appointed Commissioner for Finance in Cross River State by Governor Benedict Ayade, becoming one of the youngest commissioners in Nigeria at the time. During his tenure, he played a significant role in managing the state's finances and was widely recognized as the state's longest-serving Commissioner for Finance. In 2018, he also briefly served as Commissioner for Transport and Marine Services while retaining his expertise in public administration.
In 2022, Ekpenyong contested and won the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary for Cross River South. He subsequently won the 2023 National Assembly election and was inaugurated as the Senator representing Cross River South in June 2023. In the Senate, he has served as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), where he has focused on regional development, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and improved governance.
Beyond politics, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong is known for his interest in economic development, entrepreneurship, and public service. He is married to Netanela (Nela) Duke Ekpenyong, daughter of former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke, and they have children together.
Through his professional achievements and public service, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong has established himself as one of the prominent young political leaders in Nigeria, contributing to policy development, fiscal management, and legislative representation for the people of Cross River South.