Tinubu Swears-in Muttaqha Darma As Housing Minister

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn-in Dr Muttaqha Rabe Darma from Katsina State, as the new minister of housing and urban development following clearance by the Senate. 

He replaced Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who recently resigned.

During the short ceremony at the State House on Friday, Tinubu congratulated Dr Darma for coming on board at a 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.

Tinubu informed him to be ready to serve in any capacity in which he is called upon.

Briefly

Darma is a distinguished Nigerian scholar, administrator, and development expert who holds a Doctor of Business Administration degree from the University of Liverpool and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Atlantic International University, USA.

He graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bayero University, Kano, and later earned a Master's in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Benin.

A member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Nigerian Institute of Management, Dr Darma served as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund from 2008 to 2012. 

Thereafter, he held key positions, including Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, and Commissioner for Rural and Social Development in Katsina State, among others.

He has also contributed to academia as a lecturer at Bayero University, Kano and he is widely published in the areas of governance and development. 

Before the appointment, he was the President of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Human Development Centre in Katsina.

This was contained in a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga in Abuja.