By Ayomide Otitoju
President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Dr Muttaqha Darma as Minister of Housing and Urban Development following his confirmation by the Senate.
Darma, who hails from Katsina State, replaces Ahmed Dangiwa, who recently resigned from the cabinet.
The brief swearing-in ceremony was held at the State House in Abuja, where Tinubu congratulated the new minister and described his appointment as coming at a “very challenging time of national development.”
According to a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed confidence in Darma’s capacity to deliver, citing his extensive background in public service and development.
Tinubu said Darma’s experience made him “a fitting peg in the right position,” noting his track record across various leadership assignments.
Dr Darma is a scholar, administrator, and development expert with a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Liverpool and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Atlantic International University, USA. He also holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Bayero University, Kano, and Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Benin.
He is a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Nigerian Institute of Management. His previous roles include Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (2008–2012), as well as commissioner positions in Katsina State overseeing Works, Housing and Transport, and Rural and Social Development.
Darma has also served in academia as a lecturer at Bayero University, Kano, and was formerly President of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Human Development Centre in Katsina State.
