President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma as Nigeria’s new Minister of Housing and Urban Development, charging him to spearhead reforms aimed at addressing the country’s pressing housing challenges.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the State House in Abuja, follows Darma’s confirmation by the Senate.
Darma takes over from Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who recently exited the Federal Executive Council, as the administration intensifies efforts to drive its housing and urban renewal agenda.
The President described the appointment as coming at a critical period, urging the new minister to leverage his extensive experience to deliver tangible results.
According to a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed confidence in Darma’s capacity, noting that his professional background and track record make him well-suited for the role.
He emphasised the need for competent leadership to tackle the complexities facing the housing sector.
Speaking shortly after his inauguration, Darma pledged to introduce innovative and strategic solutions to reduce Nigeria’s estimated housing deficit of about 20 million units.
He acknowledged the enormity of the task, noting that bridging the gap would require substantial investment, careful planning, and sustained commitment over time.
The minister also raised concerns over inefficiencies in government-driven housing projects, contrasting them with the success recorded by private developers. He suggested that structural issues within the public housing system must be addressed to improve delivery and ensure that government-built homes are accessible and attractive to Nigerians.
Despite the challenges, Darma expressed optimism that a reform-focused approach anchored on innovation, efficiency, and forward planning would yield results. He added that he would begin with a comprehensive assessment of the ministry’s operations, while reaffirming his commitment to delivering measurable improvements in housing access and urban development across the country.
