President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Dr Muttaqha Rabe Darma as the new Minister of Housing and Urban Development following his confirmation by the Senate.
The swearing-in ceremony took place on Friday at the State House in Abuja, where Darma formally assumed office, replacing former minister Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who recently resigned.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Tinubu congratulated the new minister and described his appointment 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, expressing confidence in Darma’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to national development.
He urged the new minister to remain prepared to serve in any capacity required, adding that his experience and track record made him well-suited for the role.
Darma, a scholar and development expert, holds a Doctor of Business Administration degree 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, 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, he previously served as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund from 2008 to 2012.
He has also held key positions in Katsina State, including Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, and Commissioner for Rural and Social Development. In academia, he served as a lecturer at Bayero University, Kano, and has published widely on governance and development.
Before his appointment, Darma was President of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Human Development Centre in Katsina State.
The appointment is part of ongoing efforts by the Tinubu administration to reposition key sectors of the economy and strengthen governance.
