President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially sworn in Dr Muttaqha Rabe Darma as Nigeria’s new Minister of Housing and Urban Development following his confirmation by the Senate.
The brief swearing-in ceremony took place on Friday at the State House in Abuja, where the President administered the oath of office shortly after Darma’s clearance.
He takes over from Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who recently stepped down from the role.
Speaking after the ceremony, President Tinubu congratulated the new minister and described his appointment as coming at a crucial point in Nigeria’s development efforts.
“You have a very rich and interesting background. As a leader, we need competent hands like yours,” Tinubu said.
“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,” the President added, while urging him to be prepared to serve wherever he is needed.
Tinubu’s remarks underscored confidence in Darma’s experience as expectations grow around reforms in housing and urban development.
Dr Darma is widely regarded as a scholar and development expert with a strong background spanning engineering, administration and public service.
The Katsina State-born technocrat holds a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Liverpool and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Atlantic International University in the United States.
He also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bayero University Kano, alongside a Master’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Benin.
His appointment comes at a time when the housing sector faces growing pressure over affordability, urban planning and infrastructure demands, making his new role one many will be watching closely.
With Tinubu describing him as a competent hand for the assignment, attention now turns to how the new minister will navigate the sector and deliver on expectations.
