President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially administered the oath of office to Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma on Friday, appointing him as the substantive Minister of Housing and Urban Development.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the State House, follows Dr. Darma’s successful clearance by the Senate. The Katsina-born administrator takes over the ministry following the recent resignation of the former minister, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa.
A Call to National Service
During the brief ceremony, President Tinubu emphasized the critical nature of the housing sector in the current economic landscape. He praised the new minister’s credentials, noting that his expertise is vital for the administration’s development goals.
“You have a very rich and interesting background. As a leader, we need competent hands like yours,” President Tinubu stated. “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.”
The President further charged Dr. Darma to remain versatile and dedicated, urging him to be prepared to serve the nation in whatever capacity the exigencies of national development might demand.
A Profile of Academic and Administrative Excellence
Dr. Muttaqha Darma joins the federal cabinet with an extensive portfolio in engineering, governance, and development. A distinguished scholar, he holds a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Liverpool and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Atlantic International University.
His professional foundation includes a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bayero University, Kano, and a Master’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Benin.
Proven Track Record in Public Office
Dr. Darma is no stranger to high-level public service. He previously served as the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) between 2008 and 2012.
At the state level, he has held several key portfolios in Katsina State, including:
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Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport
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Commissioner for Rural and Social Development
Before his federal appointment, Dr. Darma served as the President of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Human Development Centre. As a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Nigerian Institute of Management, his appointment is widely seen as a strategic move to bring technical proficiency to the nation’s urban planning and housing deficit challenges.
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