The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Muttaqha Rabe Darma as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria following a screening session that lasted about one hour on the floor of the upper chamber.
During the exercise, senators questioned the nominee extensively on housing policy, urban development, financing mechanisms, and related national development concerns.
Lawmakers acknowledged Darma’s academic and professional background but pressed him on how he intends to confront Nigeria’s widening housing deficit, estimated to affect tens of millions of citizens.
A key area of concern raised during the screening was the persistent housing gap and the growing challenge of rural urban migration.
Senators also queried the under-utilisation of pension funds as a potential financing window for housing development.
In response, Darma assured lawmakers that his administration would prioritise affordability and access to housing, stressing that Nigeria’s deficit requires coordinated leadership and innovative financing models.
He also pledged to strengthen collaboration among key institutions to ensure better use of available resources, including pension funds, for sustainable housing delivery.
Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (APC, Katsina Central) supported the nomination, describing Darma as competent and highly experienced, while noting his track record in public service and his mentorship under the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.
Darma further told the Senate that he would focus on reviving abandoned housing projects, improving urban planning standards, and ensuring proper coordination with agencies such as the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA.
He cited his previous role as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, PTDF, saying he implemented reforms that repositioned the agency, and pledged to bring similar discipline to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
Following the screening, the Senate proceeded to a voice vote, with the majority of lawmakers endorsing his nomination.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio congratulated Darma and urged him to justify the confidence reposed in him through effective service delivery.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
