By Our Correspondent Abuja, April 24, 2026 —
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday swore in Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma as the new Minister of Housing and Urban Development, following his confirmation by the Senate.
Darma, who hails from Katsina State, replaces Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who recently resigned from the position.
The brief swearing-in ceremony took place at the State House in Abuja, where President Tinubu congratulated the new minister and described his appointment as coming at a critical period in the country’s development.
The President said Darma’s professional background and experience positioned him well for the role, urging him to remain committed to national service.
Dr. Darma is a Nigerian scholar and development expert with a Doctor of Business Administration degree from the University of Liverpool and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Atlantic International University, United States.
He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bayero University Kano and later earned a master’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Benin.
He is 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 from 2008 to 2012, and held commissioner roles in Katsina State, including Works, Housing and Transport, as well as Rural and Social Development.
He has also contributed to academia as a lecturer at Bayero University, Kano, and has published works in governance and development.
Before his appointment, he was President of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Human Development Centre.
The appointment is part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen the housing and urban development sector in Nigeria.
