President Bola Tinubu on Friday inaugurated Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma as Minister of Housing and Urban Development, following his confirmation by the Senate.
The development was contained in a State House press release issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Dr. Darma replaces Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who recently stepped down from the position. The brief ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa, where the President welcomed the new minister and spoke on the demands of the office.
Congratulating him, Tinubu said, “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.”
The President urged him to remain prepared for national service in whatever role he may be assigned.
According to the Presidency, Dr. Darma, an academic and development expert, 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 earned his first degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bayero University, Kano, and later obtained 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. His public service record includes serving as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund between 2008 and 2012. He also held positions as Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, as well as Commissioner for Rural and Social Development in Katsina State.
Beyond public service, he has worked in academia as a lecturer at Bayero University, Kano, and has published works on governance and development. Before his appointment, he led the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Human Development Centre in Katsina State.