Yemi Obafemi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday swore in Dr Muttaqha Rabe Darma as Minister of Housing and Urban Development, following his confirmation by the Senate.
Dr Darma replaces Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who recently resigned from the position.
At a brief ceremony held at the State House in Abuja, the President congratulated the new minister and urged him to deliver in what he described as a critical period for the country’s development.
“This is a very challenging time of national development. You have a very rich and interesting background. As a leader, we need competent hands like yours,” Tinubu said.
He added, “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 also charged Darma to remain prepared for national service in any capacity.
Dr Darma, a scholar and development expert from Katsina State, holds a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Liverpool and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Atlantic International University in the United States. He also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bayero University, Kano, and a Master’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Benin.
He is a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Nigerian Institute of Management.
Darma previously served as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund between 2008 and 2012. He also held positions as Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, and Commissioner for Rural and Social Development in Katsina State.
Before his appointment, he was President of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Human Development Centre in Katsina and has contributed to academia as a lecturer at Bayero University, Kano.
