• President Bola Tinubu swore in Dr Muttaqha Darma as Minister of Housing and Urban Development
• The appointment follows Darma’s confirmation by the Senate as he replaces Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who recently resigned
• Tinubu described Darma’s appointment as timely, citing the country’s “very challenging time of national development”

President Bola Tinubu on Friday, April 24, officially swore in Dr Muttaqha Rabe Darma as the new Minister of Housing and Urban Development, following his confirmation by the Senate.

Dr Darma, who hails from Katsina State, takes over from Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who recently stepped down from the role.

The brief swearing-in ceremony took place at the State House, where President Tinubu welcomed the new minister and emphasised the significance of his appointment at a critical time for the nation’s development.

Congratulating him, the President 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.”

Tinubu further urged Dr Darma to remain prepared for service in any role required of him, stressing the demands of national leadership.

Dr Darma is widely regarded as an accomplished scholar, administrator, and development expert. His academic credentials include 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 Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bayero University, Kano, and later obtained a Master’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Benin.

Professionally, he is affiliated with 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 has also held strategic roles in Katsina State, including Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, as well as Commissioner for Rural and Social Development.

In academia, Dr Darma has contributed as a lecturer at Bayero University, Kano, and has published extensively on governance and development issues.

Prior to his ministerial appointment, he served as President of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Human Development Centre in Katsina.

Tinubu swears in Taiwo Oyedele as Minister of State for Finance

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu swore in Taiwo Oyedele as the new Minister of State for Finance during a brief ceremony held at the State House.

Oyedele replaced Doris Anite-Uzoka, who had been redeployed to the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning as Minister of State. The reassignment marks her third ministerial portfolio under the current administration.

Before joining the Federal Executive Council, Oyedele served as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, where he spearheaded efforts to reform and modernise the country’s tax system.