President Bola Tinubu on Friday swore in Muttaqha Darma as Minister of Housing and Urban Development at a brief ceremony held at the State House in Abuja.
Darma, who hails from Katsina State and was recently confirmed by the Senate, replaces Ahmed Dangiwa, who resigned from the position.
Speaking during the ceremony, President Tinubu congratulated the new minister, describing his appointment as coming at a critical period for national development.
“You have a very rich and interesting background. As a leader, we need competent hands like yours,” the President said, according to a statement issued by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga.
“There is no doubt that you have rendered valuable service in previous assignments. You are a fitting peg in the right position,” he added, urging Darma to remain ready to serve wherever he is called upon.
Darma is a scholar and development expert with a Doctor of Business Administration degree from the University of Liverpool and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Atlantic International University in the United States. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bayero University, Kano, and a Master’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Benin.
A member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Nigerian Institute of Management, he previously served as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund between 2008 and 2012.
He has also held key positions in Katsina State, including Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, as well as Commissioner for Rural and Social Development.
In addition to his public service career, Darma has contributed to academia as a lecturer at Bayero University, Kano, and has published works in the areas of governance and development. Prior to his appointment, he was President of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Human Development Centre in Katsina.
