President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday swore in Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma as Minister of Housing and Urban Development, describing his appointment as well-suited to the demands of the office. Dr. Darma, who hails from Katsina State, replaces Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who recently vacated the position, stepping into the role at a time when Nigeria faces a severe housing deficit.
The housing gap, estimated at about 20 million units, continues to affect over 100 million Nigerians, underscoring the urgency of reforms in the sector.
At a brief ceremony held at the State House, Tinubu praised the new minister’s credentials and experience, noting that his appointment comes at a critical juncture in the country’s development.
“You have a very rich and interesting background. As a leader, we need competent hands like yours. There is no doubt that you have rendered valuable services in all the assignments you have undertaken. You are a fitting peg in the right position,” the president said.
Tinubu also urged Darma to remain flexible and prepared to serve wherever his expertise may be required in the course of national duty.
Darma, a scholar and development expert with advanced degrees from the University of Liverpool and Atlantic International University, pledged to tackle the housing crisis through innovation and strategic planning.
Speaking after taking the oath, he framed his appointment as a test of accountability, stating: “I feel that I have been given a responsibility… At the end of it all, God Almighty will also judge me. And I tell you that I am going to deliver to the best of my ability. You will see changes in no time.”
Acknowledging the scale of the challenge, Darma said, “That is a tremendous challenge. Even if you say you’re going to build 15 million houses in the next 10 years, it’s going to be difficult… But we are strategic… we will bring a lot of innovation and creativity to ensure that we do well.” He also pointed to inefficiencies in government housing delivery, questioning why privately developed estates thrive while public housing projects are often abandoned, adding, “There must be something wrong.”
