President Tinubu Swears In Muttaqha Darma as New Minister of Housing and Urban Development
President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma as the new Minister of Housing and Urban Development. The oath of office was administered in a ceremony at the State House on Friday, April 24, 2026. Dr. Darma, who hails from Katsina State, succeeds Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who recently resigned from the position.
President Tinubu congratulated the new minister, emphasizing the challenging yet crucial time of national development into which he is stepping. The President highlighted Dr. Darma's "rich and interesting background" and stressed the need for competent hands like his to steer the nation's development agenda. "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," President Tinubu remarked.
Dr. Darma is a distinguished scholar, administrator, and development expert. He holds a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Liverpool and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Atlantic International University, USA. His academic qualifications also include a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bayero University, Kano, and a Master's in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Benin. He is a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Nigerian Institute of Management.
His extensive public service career includes serving as the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund from 2008 to 2012. He has also held significant positions as Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, and Commissioner for Rural and Social Development in Katsina State. Dr. Darma has also contributed to academia as a lecturer at Bayero University, Kano, and was formerly the President of the Umaru Musa Yar'Adua Human Development Centre in Katsina.
Following his inauguration, Dr. Darma pledged to leverage innovation and strategic thinking to address Nigeria's housing deficit, estimated at approximately 20 million units, impacting over 100 million citizens. He acknowledged the responsibility of his new role and vowed to perform to the best of his ability, stating, "I am going to deliver to the best of my ability, and you will see changes in no time."
He also expressed concerns about inefficiencies in government-led housing delivery and noted the success of private developers, suggesting a need for reform in public housing frameworks. Dr. Darma is prepared to serve the nation in any capacity required.
President Tinubu congratulated the new minister, emphasizing the challenging yet crucial time of national development into which he is stepping. The President highlighted Dr. Darma's "rich and interesting background" and stressed the need for competent hands like his to steer the nation's development agenda. "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," President Tinubu remarked.
Dr. Darma is a distinguished scholar, administrator, and development expert. He holds a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Liverpool and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Atlantic International University, USA. His academic qualifications also include a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bayero University, Kano, and a Master's in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Benin. He is a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Nigerian Institute of Management.
His extensive public service career includes serving as the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund from 2008 to 2012. He has also held significant positions as Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, and Commissioner for Rural and Social Development in Katsina State. Dr. Darma has also contributed to academia as a lecturer at Bayero University, Kano, and was formerly the President of the Umaru Musa Yar'Adua Human Development Centre in Katsina.
Following his inauguration, Dr. Darma pledged to leverage innovation and strategic thinking to address Nigeria's housing deficit, estimated at approximately 20 million units, impacting over 100 million citizens. He acknowledged the responsibility of his new role and vowed to perform to the best of his ability, stating, "I am going to deliver to the best of my ability, and you will see changes in no time."
He also expressed concerns about inefficiencies in government-led housing delivery and noted the success of private developers, suggesting a need for reform in public housing frameworks. Dr. Darma is prepared to serve the nation in any capacity required.
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