President Bola Tinubu on Friday swore in Dr Muttaqha Rabe Darma as Minister of Housing and Urban Development, following his confirmation by the Senate.
The brief ceremony, held at the State House in Abuja, formally ushered Darma into the Federal Executive Council, where he replaces former minister Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who recently stepped down from the position.
Speaking shortly after administering the oath of office, President Tinubu congratulated the new minister and described his appointment as timely, noting the challenges facing the housing sector and the broader demands of national development.
âThis is a very challenging time of national development,â the President said, expressing confidence in Darmaâs ability to deliver on his mandate. He commended the ministerâs professional background and track record, describing him as âa fitting peg in the right position.â
Tinubu also urged the new appointee to remain adaptable and committed to national service, stressing the need for competence and dedication in advancing the administrationâs housing and urban development agenda.
Dr Darma, an indigene of Katsina State, brings decades of experience spanning academia, public service and development practice. He 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 Bachelorâs degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bayero University Kano and a Masterâs 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 between 2008 and 2012.
He has also held key roles in Katsina State government, including Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, as well as Commissioner for Rural and Social Development. In addition to his public service career, he has contributed to academia as a lecturer at Bayero University, Kano, and has published widely on governance and development issues.
Prior to his appointment, Darma was President of the Umaru Musa YarâAdua Human Development Centre.
His appointment comes at a time when the Federal Government is seeking to address housing deficits and improve urban infrastructure across the country, with expectations that his experience will support ongoing reforms in the sector.
