President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday administered the oath of office to Dr Muttaqha Rabe Darma as the new Minister of Housing and Urban Development, following his confirmation by the Senate.
Dr Darma, who hails from Katsina State, replaces Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who recently resigned from the position.
The brief ceremony took place at the State House, Abuja, where President Tinubu congratulated the new minister and described his appointment as coming at a critical period in Nigeria’s development journey.
“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.”
Tinubu also urged the new minister to remain ready to serve in any capacity required by the administration.
Dr Darma is a scholar, administrator, and development expert with a strong academic and professional background. He holds a Doctor of Business Administration degree from the University of Liverpool and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Atlantic International University, USA.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bayero University, Kano, and later obtained 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 has also held several public service roles in Katsina State, including Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, and Commissioner for Rural and Social Development.
Beyond public administration, Dr Darma has contributed to academia as a lecturer at Bayero University, Kano, and is widely published in governance and development studies.
Before his ministerial appointment, he served as President of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Human Development Centre in Katsina.
His appointment is expected to strengthen ongoing housing reforms and urban development initiatives under the current administration.
