President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Dr Muttaqha Rabe Darma as the new Minister of Housing and Urban Development.
The inauguration took place on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the State House in Abuja after Darma was cleared by the Senate. The short ceremony was held at the President’s Conference Room inside the Presidential Villa.
Darma replaces Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who recently resigned from the position. His appointment came after a minor cabinet reshuffle announced by the Presidency earlier in the week.
Speaking during the ceremony, President Tinubu congratulated the new minister and described his appointment as important at a challenging period in Nigeria’s development. He said Darma had the experience and background needed to contribute meaningfully to the government’s housing and urban renewal agenda.
Darma’s confirmation followed a screening exercise at the Senate on Thursday. During the screening, he promised to work with the National Assembly and other stakeholders to address Nigeria’s housing problems, especially the challenge of affordable housing for low and middle-income citizens.
The new minister is expected to play a major role in the Tinubu administration’s housing plans under the Renewed Hope Agenda. One of the biggest tasks before him is Nigeria’s huge housing deficit, which he said affects more than 100 million Nigerians.
After taking the oath of office, Darma pledged to bring fresh ideas, innovation, and strong leadership to the ministry. He said he understood the weight of the responsibility and would do his best to deliver visible results.
Darma is not new to public service. He once served as the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund between 2008 and 2012. He also held key positions in Katsina State, including Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, as well as Commissioner for Rural and Social Development.
Academically, 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 studied Mechanical Engineering at Bayero University, Kano, and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Benin.
Before his appointment as minister, Darma was the President of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Human Development Centre in Katsina. He has also worked in academia as a lecturer at Bayero University, Kano, and has written on governance and development.
With his inauguration, attention will now turn to how quickly the new minister can move from promises to action, especially in areas such as affordable housing, urban renewal, mortgage access, and better coordination in the housing sector.
For many Nigerians struggling with rent and home ownership, Darma’s performance will be judged by how far the ministry can deliver practical housing solutions that reach ordinary citizens.
