President Bola Tinubu on Friday administered the oath of office to Muttaqha Rabe Darma as the new Minister of Housing and Urban Development, following his confirmation by the Senate.
Dr Darma replaces Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who recently resigned from the position.
Speaking during the brief ceremony held at the State House in Abuja, President Tinubu congratulated the new minister, describing his appointment as coming at a critical period in Nigeria’s development.
“You have a very rich and interesting background. As a leader, we need competent hands like yours,” the President said. “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 urged Dr Darma to remain committed and prepared to serve the nation in any capacity required.
Dr Darma is a seasoned scholar, administrator, and development expert. He holds a Doctor of Business Administration degree from the University of Liverpool and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Atlantic International University.
He 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 the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Nigerian Institute of Management, Dr Darma previously served as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund between 2008 and 2012.
He also held key roles in Katsina State, including Commissioner for Works, Housing, and Transport, as well as Commissioner for Rural and Social Development. In addition, he contributed to academia as a lecturer at Bayero University, Kano.
Before his appointment, Dr Darma was President of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Human Development Centre and has published widely on governance and development issues.
