President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated Muttaqha Darma as the new Minister of Housing and Urban Development, following his confirmation by the Senate.
The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja shortly before 4:00 p.m., marking Darma’s formal entry into the Federal Executive Council.
Darma, a former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, was cleared by lawmakers after a screening session on Thursday. His nomination had earlier been transmitted to the Senate in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
During his screening, the new minister pledged to work closely with the National Assembly to tackle Nigeria’s housing challenges, noting that more than 100 million citizens lack access to adequate housing.
“We must strengthen collaboration and build systems that will expand affordable housing opportunities for Nigerians,” he said, outlining plans to improve sector leadership and reinforce key institutions.
Darma takes over from Ahmed Dangiwa, whose exit followed a recent cabinet reshuffle announced by the Presidency.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, had said the changes were intended to enhance coordination within government and accelerate economic reforms under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Dangiwa formally handed over the ministry on Thursday in compliance with the directive from the SGF’s office, completing the transition.