President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Dr. Muttaqha Darma as Minister of Housing and Urban Development, formally bringing him into the Federal Executive Council.
The oath of office was administered at the President’s Conference Room, Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before 4:00 p.m. on Friday.
The president congratulated Dr Darma for coming on board at this very challenging time of 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 embarked upon; You are a fitting peg in the right position,” he said.
The President urged the new Minister to be ready to serve in any capacity in which he is called upon.
Muttaqha Darma, a former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, was confirmed by the Senate on Thursday following a screening session on the floor of the upper chamber.
His confirmation came a day after President Tinubu forwarded his nomination to the Senate in a letter read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
During his screening, Darma pledged to work closely with the National Assembly to address the country’s housing deficit, noting that more than 100 million Nigerians are affected by inadequate housing.
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He also outlined reforms aimed at improving leadership, expanding access to affordable housing, and strengthening institutions in the sector.
Darma succeeds Ahmed Dangiwa, whose exit followed a minor Federal Executive Council reshuffle announced by the Presidency on Tuesday.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the changes were aimed at strengthening cohesion in governance and improving economic delivery under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
TVC News had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, wrote to the upper chamber, seeking the screening and confirmation of Darma for ministerial appointment.
Dangiwa formally handed over the ministry on Thursday in compliance with a directive from the SGF’s office.
The President’s request was read on the floor by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who subsequently referred it to the Committee of the Whole for consideration, directing the panel to report back “as soon as practicable.”
Lawmakers later adopted the committee’s recommendation, paving the way for Darma’s confirmation.
