ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Dr Muttaqha Darma as the new Minister of Housing and Urban Development.
The ceremony took place at the President’s Conference Room inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before 4:00 p.m.
Darma, who previously served as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, was confirmed by the Senate on Thursday after undergoing screening on the chamber floor.
His confirmation followed the submission of his nomination by Tinubu in a letter read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
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During the screening, Darma assured lawmakers of his readiness to collaborate with the National Assembly to tackle Nigeria’s housing deficit, noting that over 100 million Nigerians lack adequate housing.
He also proposed reforms focused on strengthening leadership, increasing access to affordable housing, and reinforcing institutions within the sector.
Darma replaces Ahmed Dangiwa, who exited the role as part of a minor Federal Executive Council reshuffle announced earlier in the week by the Presidency.
According to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the changes were “aimed at strengthening cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieving more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians through the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Dangiwa completed the handover of the ministry’s affairs on Thursday, in line with a directive from the SGF’s office requiring the process to be finalised before the close of business that day.