President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Dr Muttaqha Rabe Darma as the new Minister of Housing and Urban Development, charging him to deploy his experience toward advancing Nigeria’s development priorities.
The oath of office was administered on Friday during a brief ceremony at the State House in Abuja, following Darma’s confirmation by the Senate. He replaces Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who recently stepped down from the role.
Congratulating the new minister, Tinubu described the appointment as coming at a critical period for the country’s growth and infrastructure drive. “You have a very rich and interesting background. As a leader, we need competent hands like yours,” the president said. He added, “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.”
Tinubu further urged Darma to remain adaptable and committed to national service, telling him to be prepared to serve in any capacity required to deliver on government objectives.
Darma brings a blend of academic, administrative, and policy experience to the ministry. He holds a Doctor of Business Administration degree from the University of Liverpool and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Atlantic International University. His academic background also includes 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 both the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Nigerian Institute of Management, Darma has held several key public service roles. He served as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund between 2008 and 2012 and later occupied strategic positions in Katsina State, including Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, as well as Commissioner for Rural and Social Development.
Beyond public service, he has contributed to academia as a lecturer at Bayero University Kano and is widely published on governance and development issues. Prior to his ministerial appointment, he was President of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Human Development Centre.
