Chris Nkwonta

Christian "Chris" Nkwonta (, born November 3, 1960) is a Nigerian politician and the member representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West federal constituency Abia state. He is the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Climate change, and also the chairman of House Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC).

Early life and education Nkwonta, often referred to as Chief Sir Chris Nkwonta (Oke Oji Abia), was born on November 3, 1960, in Akwete, Ukwa East Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State, Nigeria, to the family of Late Chief Chibor Nkwonta and Mrs. Mercy Opunne Nkwonta.

He had his secondary education at Community Secondary School, Akwete, where he often missed school to engage in farming and fishing, in order to fund his studies because he came from a very humble background. Despite these challenges, he completed his secondary education and pursued higher learning abroad.

Professional career He has spent over thirty years professionally in maritime, shipping, logistics, oil and gas, and hospitality. After his NYSC, he first worked at the Nigeria Ports Authority, and also other establishments, including

True Venture Nigeria Limited: 1986 – 1992 Floor Mills of Nigeria PLC: March – May 1992 Exon Mobil Limited: 1992 – 1995. Fymak Nigeria Limited: 1996 – 1997. Shell Petroleum Development Company: 1997 – 2001.

Through all these, he gained expertise in transport and administration, becoming a Professional Member of both the Chartered Institute of Transport and the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration, London, UK. From there, he established BlueSeas Maritime Services in 2003. Political career

Chris Nkwonta entered partisan politics as the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for Abia South Senatorial District in the 2015 general election. Following the election, he challenged the outcome before the Election Petitions Tribunal.

In 2022, he emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives. He won the 2023 general election and was inaugurated as a member of the 10th House of Representatives.

During his first term in the House of Representatives, Nkwonta served as Chairman of the House Committee on Climate Change. In October 2024, he defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the internal crisis within the PDP. Following his defection, he was appointed Chairman of the House Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC).

Legislative activities

As a member of the House of Representatives, Nkwonta has focused on climate change, regional development and peace-building initiatives.

In July 2023, Nkwonta called on President Bola Tinubu to facilitate the release of Nnamdi Kanu, stating that the move would contribute to peace and stability in the South-East region.