President Tinubu Swears in Dr. Muttaqha Darma as Housing and Urban Development Minister

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma as Nigeria’s new Minister of Housing and Urban Development following Senate confirmation.

The brief swearing-in ceremony took place at the State House in Abuja on Friday.

Dr. Darma, who hails from Katsina State, replaces Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who recently resigned from the position.

During the ceremony, President Tinubu congratulated the new minister and described his appointment as coming at a “very challenging time” in the country’s development journey. He expressed confidence in Darma’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to the housing sector.

“You have a very rich and interesting background. As a leader, we need competent hands like yours,” the President said, urging him to be prepared to serve in any assigned capacity.

Dr. Darma is a scholar, administrator, and development expert with academic qualifications in engineering and business administration. He holds a Doctor of Business Administration degree from the University of Liverpool and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Atlantic International University, United States.

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.

Over the years, he has held several public service and academic roles, including serving as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) between 2008 and 2012. He has also served as Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, as well as Commissioner for Rural and Social Development in Katsina State.

In addition, he has lectured at Bayero University, Kano, and previously led the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Human Development Centre in Katsina.

According to the Presidency, the appointment is expected to strengthen efforts in addressing Nigeria’s housing and urban development challenges.