Author: Gist Correspondent

President Bola Tinubu on Friday officially swore in 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 cabinet.

The swearing-in ceremony, held at the State House in Abuja, was brief but significant, as the President charged the new minister to bring competence and dedication to the office at a crucial period of national development.

Congratulating him on his appointment, Tinubu described Dr. Darma as a capable and experienced administrator whose professional background makes him well-suited for the role.

“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 added.

Tinubu further urged the new minister to remain ready to serve the country in whatever capacity he may be called upon to do so, stressing the importance of commitment and flexibility in public service.

Dr. Darma is a seasoned scholar, administrator, and development expert with extensive experience in governance and public administration. He holds a Doctor of Business Administration degree from the University of Liverpool and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Atlantic International University, United States.

He also 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 served as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund between 2008 and 2012.

He also held strategic positions in Katsina State, including Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, as well as Commissioner for Rural and Social Development.

Before his latest appointment, he was the President of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Human Development Centre in Katsina and had also contributed to academia as a lecturer at Bayero University, Kano.

His appointment is seen as part of the administration’s effort to strengthen the housing and urban development sector amid ongoing national infrastructure and urban renewal challenges.