President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma as Nigeria’s new Minister of Housing and Urban Development following his confirmation by the Senate.
Dr. Darma replaces Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who recently stepped down from the role.
The swearing-in ceremony, held on Friday at the State House in Abuja, saw President Tinubu congratulate the new minister and charge him to bring his experience to bear at what he described as a critical period in the country’s development.
“You have a very rich and interesting background. As a leader, we need competent hands like yours,” the President said, noting Dr. Darma’s track record in public service. He added that the new minister must remain prepared to serve in any capacity required in advancing national priorities.
Dr. Darma is an accomplished scholar and administrator with a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Liverpool and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Atlantic International University in the United States. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bayero University, Kano, and a Master’s in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Benin.
Over the years, he has held several key public offices, including serving as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund between 2008 and 2012. At the state level in Katsina, he served as Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, as well as Commissioner for Rural and Social Development.
In addition to his government roles, Dr. Darma has contributed to academia as a lecturer at Bayero University, Kano, and is a member of both the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Nigerian Institute of Management. He has also authored several publications focusing on governance and development.
Before his latest appointment, he was President of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Human Development Centre in Katsina.
The statement was issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on April 24, 2026.
