Tinubu swears in Darma as Housing Minister, vows rapid

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

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, Tinubu congratulated Darma on joining 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 Ph.D in Industrial Engineering from Atlantic International University, USA; a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Bayero University, Kano, and a Master’s in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Benin. A registered member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and Nigerian Institute of Management, he previously served as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (2008-2012), held commissioner roles in Katsina State for Works, Housing and Transport, and Rural and Social Development. He 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 about 20 million housing units to shelter over 100 million un-housed people.