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, held on Friday at the State House in Abuja, marks Dr Darma’s assumption of office after the resignation of his predecessor, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa.
Speaking during the brief ceremony, President Tinubu congratulated the new minister and charged him to bring his experience to bear at what he described as a critical period in the nation’s development.
“You have a very rich and interesting background. As a leader, we need competent hands like yours,” the President 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,” he added.
The President further urged Dr Darma to remain prepared for national service in any capacity. “You must be ready to serve in any capacity in which you are called upon,” he said.
In his response, Dr Darma expressed gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve, pledging his commitment to advancing the housing sector.
“I am deeply honored by the confidence reposed in me by Mr President,” he said.
“I will bring my experience to bear in ensuring that we deliver on the mandate of providing affordable housing and sustainable urban development for Nigerians,” he added.
Dr Darma, a scholar and development expert from Katsina State, 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, 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 between 2008 and 2012.
He also held 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 roles, Dr Darma has contributed to academia as a lecturer at Bayero University, Kano, and has published works in governance and development.
Before his appointment, he was President of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Human Development Centre in Katsina.