President Bola Tinubu on Friday swore in Muttaqha Darma as the new Minister of Housing and Urban Development at the State House, replacing the recently resigned Ahmed Musa Dangiwa.
During the brief ceremony, President Tinubu congratulated Darma on joining the cabinet at a “very challenging time of national development”, praising his “rich and interesting background” and history of valuable service. “You are a fitting peg in the right position,” the president said, urging him to serve in any capacity required.
A distinguished scholar and administrator from Katsina State, Darma holds a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Liverpool, a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Atlantic International University, USA, 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 registered member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Nigerian Institute of Management, he previously served as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (2008–2012) and held commissioner roles in Katsina State for Works, Housing, and Transport, as well as Rural and Social Development. He has also lectured at Bayero University and led the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Human Development Centre.
Speaking to State House Correspondents afterward, Darma expressed his commitment to satisfying himself, his team, the public, and ultimately God in his new role.
“I feel that I have been given responsibility, and I know that if you are given responsibility, there are three classes of people who will judge you on that responsibility… I am going to deliver to the best of my ability, and you will see changes in no time,” he said.
On sector challenges, Darma acknowledged Nigeria’s need for approximately 20 million housing units to shelter over 100 million unhoused people.
“We are strategic. We are focused. We are forward-looking… we will bring a lot of innovation and creativity to ensure that we did well, and so many people who are unhoused will be housed inshallah,” he assured.
Addressing funding issues, he noted he has yet to assess the Ministry fully but highlighted the success of private estate developers versus government projects.
“Some of the richest people are estate owners… Why are they building houses, selling them, and government houses are being abandoned? There must be something… If you start property today, by tomorrow, you become rich,” Darma observed, pledging to identify and solve existing constraints
