Tinubu swears in Muttaqha Darma as housing minister

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally sworn in Muttaqha Darma as minister of housing and urban development. 

He charged him with addressing Nigeria’s deepening housing deficit.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the presidential villa in Abuja on Friday, shortly before 4:00 p.m., marking Darma’s official entry into the federal executive council.

Darma, a former executive secretary of the petroleum technology development fund, was confirmed by the senate a day earlier following his screening by lawmakers.

During the confirmation process, he pledged to work closely with the national assembly to tackle the country’s housing challenges, noting that over 100 million Nigerians lack adequate shelter.

“We will work together with the National Assembly to ensure that the challenge of housing is addressed,” he said.

He also outlined plans to strengthen leadership within the sector, expand access to affordable housing, and reform key institutions to improve delivery.

Darma replaces Ahmed Dangiwa, whose exit followed a minor cabinet reshuffle approved by the presidency.

George Akume, the secretary to the government of the federation said the changes were aimed at improving governance coordination and enhancing economic performance under the administration’s policy agenda.

Dangiwa formally handed over to his successor on Thursday, in line with directives from the SGF’s office.