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President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Dr Muttaqha Darma as Minister of Housing and Urban Development on Friday, April 24, 2026.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the President’s Conference Room, Presidential Villa, in Abuja.
Darma, who was the former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, was confirmed by the Senate on Thursday, April 23, after a screening exercise.
Earlier, his nomination was transferred to the upper chamber, as read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
During the screening, the Minister pledged to team up with the National Assembly to address the country’s housing deficit, stating that over 100 million Nigerians lack adequate housing. He went further to outline plans to improve leadership in the sector, expand access to affordable housing, and strengthen relevant institutions.
At the short ceremony, Tinubu congratulated Dr Darma for coming on board at this “very challenging time of national development”.
“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.
Darma takes over from Ahmed Dangiwa, who resigned on Tuesday. Dangiwa officially handed over the ministry on Thursday, in compliance with a directive from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) office.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said that the changes were geared towards strengthening unity in governance and improving economic delivery under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The new Minister of Housing and Urban Development is a distinguished Nigerian scholar, administrator, and development expert who holds a Doctor of Business Administration degree from the University of Liverpool and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Atlantic International University, USA.
He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bayero University, Kano, and later earned a Master’s in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Benin.
He is a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Nigerian Institute of Management. He also served as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund from 2008 to 2012.
Darma has held major positions, including Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, and Commissioner for Rural and Social Development in Katsina State.
