President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Muttaqha Rabe Darma as the new Minister of Housing and Urban Development following his confirmation by the Senate.
The swearing-in ceremony, held on Friday at the State House in Abuja, comes after the resignation of his predecessor, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa.
Speaking during the brief event, President Tinubu congratulated Darma on his appointment, describing it as coming at a critical period in Nigeria’s development.
“You have a very rich and interesting background. As a leader, we need competent hands like yours,” the President said, adding that Darma’s experience makes him well-suited for the role.
He urged the new minister to be prepared to serve diligently in any capacity required, emphasising the importance of commitment and expertise in advancing the administration’s housing and urban development agenda.
Darma, a scholar and administrator, holds a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Liverpool and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Atlantic International University. He also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bayero University Kano and a Master’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Benin.
A member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Nigerian Institute of Management, Darma previously served as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund from 2008 to 2012.
He has also held several key roles in Katsina State, including Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, as well as Commissioner for Rural and Social Development.
In addition to his public service career, Darma has contributed to academia as a lecturer at Bayero University and is widely published in governance and development studies.
Prior to his appointment, he served as President of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Human Development Centre in Katsina.
His appointment is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts to address housing deficits and drive urban development initiatives across the country.
