President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday administered the oath of office to Dr Muttaqha Rabe Darma as the new Minister of Housing and Urban Development, following his clearance by the Senate.
Dr Darma 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 timely, given the current challenges in national development.
“You have a very rich and interesting background. As a leader, we need competent hands like yours. There is no doubt that you have rendered valuable services in all the assignments you have undertaken; you are a fitting peg in the right position,” the President said.
He urged Dr Darma to remain prepared to serve the nation in any capacity required.
Dr Darma is a scholar, administrator, and development expert with extensive experience in both public service and academia. He holds a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Liverpool and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Atlantic International University.
He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bayero University Kano and later obtained a Master’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Benin.
A member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Nigerian Institute of Management, Dr Darma previously served as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund from 2008 to 2012.
He has also held key roles in Katsina State, including Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, as well as Commissioner for Rural and Social Development.
In academia, he lectured at Bayero University Kano and has published widely on governance and development issues.
Before his appointment, Dr Darma served as President of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Human Development Centre in Katsina.
The appointment is part of ongoing efforts by the administration to strengthen key sectors critical to national development.