President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Muttaqha Darma as Minister of Housing and Urban Development, marking a new replacement in his cabinet.
The brief ceremony took place on Friday at the State House in Abuja, where the President officially inducted the new minister into office.
Darma, an indigene of Katsina State, was earlier cleared by the Senate for the position. He succeeds Ahmed Dangiwa, who recently stepped down from the role.
During the ceremony, President Tinubu congratulated Darma, noting that his appointment comes at a critical period in the nation’s development.
He expressed confidence in the minister’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the administration.
“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 embarked upon; you are a fitting peg in the right position,” he said.
Tinubu also urged the new minister to remain flexible and prepared to serve wherever he is needed within the government.
Darma is described as a seasoned scholar, administrator, and development expert with a strong academic and professional background.
He holds a Doctor of Business Administration degree 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 both the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Nigerian Institute of Management, Darma has held several key public service positions over the years.
He previously served as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund between 2008 and 2012.
He also worked as Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, as well as Commissioner for Rural and Social Development in Katsina State.
In addition to his administrative roles, Darma has contributed to academia as a lecturer at Bayero University, Kano, and has published works in governance and development.
Before his latest appointment, he was President of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Human Development Centre in Katsina.
His appointment is expected to bring fresh direction to the housing and urban development sector as the administration continues its efforts to address infrastructure and housing challenges nationwide.
