By Olugbenga Salami
The Senate has confirmed the appointment of Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, replacing former minister Ahmed Musa Dangiwa.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday wrote to the upper chamber seeking expeditious screening and approval of the nominee.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the letter at plenary and referred it to the Committee of the Whole for legislative action.
Darma, after fielding questions from lawmakers on issues affecting the housing sector on Thursday, was subsequently confirmed by the Senate.
He pledged to work closely with the National Assembly to address Nigeria’s housing deficit, outlining plans to improve leadership, expand access to affordable homes, and strengthen institutional performance.
The minister‑designate assured that urban development challenges in the Federal Capital Territory would be addressed head‑on.
He said his approach would focus on bridging what he described as a leadership gap that has hindered effective housing delivery across the country.
According to him, collaboration with lawmakers will be key to eliminating longstanding bottlenecks in the sector.
“We will work together with the National Assembly to ensure that the challenge of housing is addressed,” Darma told the lawmakers.
He noted that more than 100 million Nigerians are affected by inadequate housing and stressed the need to make homes more accessible and affordable, particularly for low‑ and middle‑income earners.
Darma also pointed to governance and accountability as critical to improving outcomes, adding that reforms would target both public institutions and private sector participation in real estate development.
Responding to concerns raised by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, the nominee acknowledged the scale of Nigeria’s housing deficit but expressed confidence that it could be tackled with the right policies and commitment.
“I believe everything is possible. I will do everything within my capacity to close the gaps and improve the situation,” he said.
Drawing on his experience as former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, Darma promised to reposition the housing ministry as a model for efficiency and results.
On insecurity, he added that he would contribute meaningfully to national security efforts, noting that stable communities are essential for sustainable housing development.
