Tinubu Swears in Dr. Darma as New Housing Minister

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 swearing-in ceremony, held on Friday at the State House in Abuja, marked Dr. Darma’s formal assumption of office, succeeding former minister Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who recently stepped down.

In his remarks, President Tinubu congratulated the new minister, describing his appointment as timely given the current demands of national development. He praised Dr. Darma’s extensive professional background and expressed confidence in his ability to deliver on the responsibilities of the ministry.

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

Dr. Darma is a seasoned scholar, administrator, and development expert with a strong academic and professional track record. He holds a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Liverpool and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from the Atlantic International University.

He earned his first degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bayero University Kano and later obtained 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, Dr. Darma previously served as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund between 2008 and 2012.

He also held several key positions 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, he has contributed to academia as a lecturer and is widely published in governance and development studies.

Before his ministerial appointment, Dr. Darma served as President of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Human Development Centre in Katsina State.

The appointment is seen as part of ongoing efforts by the Tinubu administration to strengthen leadership in key sectors critical to Nigeria’s infrastructure and urban development.