President Bola Tinubu has sworn-in Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma as the new Minister of Housing and Urban Development, following his confirmation by the Senate.
He replaces Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who reportedly resigned recently.
At the brief ceremony at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Friday , President Tinubu congratulated Dr. Darma, describing his appointment as timely amid Nigeria’s “very challenging time of national development.”
The President praised his extensive experience, saying: “You have a very rich and interesting background. As a leader, we need competent hands like yours. There is no doubt that you have rendered valuable services in all the assignments you have embarked upon; you are a fitting peg in the right position.”
Speaking with State House correspondents after taking the oath, Dr. Darma highlighted Nigeria’s housing crisis, noting that over 100 million people lack adequate shelter, with a shortfall of 20 million homes.
“I feel the weight of responsibility and am determined to deliver results that Nigerians will see in no time,” he said.
Dr. Darma acknowledged funding challenges and inefficiencies, pointing out that private real estate developers continue to thrive while many government housing projects remain underutilised.
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He pledged to address these bottlenecks and implement innovative strategies to expand access to affordable housing.
He also stressed that even an ambitious plan to deliver 15 million homes over the next decade will require strategic planning, innovation, and significant investment.
“We are strategic, focused, and forward-looking,” he said, “and we will bring creativity to ensure that unhoused Nigerians gain access to homes.”
Dr. Darma is a scholar and development expert, holding a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Liverpool and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Atlantic International University, USA.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bayero University, Kano, and a Master’s in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Benin.
A member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Nigerian Institute of Management, Dr. Darma has served as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, PTDF, Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, and Commissioner for Rural and Social Development in Katsina State.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
