President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday swore in Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma as Nigeria’s new Minister of Housing and Urban Development.
Darma’s appointment follows the resignation of former minister Ahmed Musa Dangiwa and his subsequent confirmation by the Senate.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the State House, Abuja.
Tinubu congratulated the new minister and described his appointment as coming at a critical time in Nigeria’s development journey. He urged him to justify the confidence reposed in him and remain committed to national service.
Darma, a native of Katsina State, is a scholar and development expert with a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Liverpool and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Atlantic International University.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bayero University, Kano, and a master’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Benin.
The new minister is a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Nigerian Institute of Management. He previously served as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund between 2008 and 2012.
He has also served in various capacities in Katsina State, including Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, and Commissioner for Rural and Social Development. He has lectured at Bayero University, Kano, and has published works on governance and development.
Before his appointment, he was President of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Human Development Centre.
A statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed the development on Friday.
