President Bola Tinubu on Friday formally administered the oath of office to Dr Muttaqha Rabe Darma from Katsina State as the new Minister of Housing and Urban Development after his confirmation by the Senate.
He takes over from Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who recently stepped down from the role.
During the brief ceremony held at the State House, President Bola Tinubu congratulated the newly appointed minister, noting that his appointment comes at what he described as 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.
“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.
The President further urged him to remain prepared to serve the nation in any responsibility assigned to him.
Dr Muttaqha Rabe Darma is regarded as an accomplished Nigerian academic, administrator, and development specialist. He holds a Doctor of Business Administration degree from the University of Liverpool and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Atlantic International University in the United States.
He earned his first degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bayero University, Kano, before obtaining 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, Darma previously served as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund between 2008 and 2012. He later held strategic roles in Katsina State, including Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, as well as Commissioner for Rural and Social Development.
In addition to his public service, he has contributed to academia as a lecturer at Bayero University, Kano, and has published extensively on governance and development-related issues.
Before his latest appointment, he served as President of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Human Development Centre in Katsina, further strengthening his profile in public policy and human development.
What You Should Know
The appointment of Dr Muttaqha Rabe Darma signals a shift in leadership within Nigeria’s housing and urban development sector.
His background in engineering, administration, and policy development positions him to handle key national challenges, including housing deficits and urban planning. His experience in both federal and state roles, along with academic contributions, reflects a blend of technical and governance expertise.
The transition also follows the resignation of his predecessor, highlighting ongoing adjustments within the cabinet as the government seeks to strengthen delivery across critical sectors.
