Darma Unveils Reform Agenda, Targets Housing Delivery, Urban Slum Renewal

Newly appointed minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, has declared that he would pursue aggressive reforms in housing delivery, urban renewal and slum upgrading. He promised to run the ministry with discipline, teamwork and measurable performance targets aimed at reducing the hardship faced by Nigerians.

Speaking during his assumption of office in Abuja, Darma said he was not coming as a “boss” but as the “captain of a team,” stressing that every member of staff would have a role in repositioning the ministry to deliver on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the ministry would immediately begin a comprehensive review of its operations, with directors expected to present detailed briefs on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges facing the sector, beginning from Tuesday. According to him, the outcome would form the basis of a strategic work plan with clear Key Performance Indicators to be submitted to President Tinubu.

“We are team players, and we are set to win. I am just the captain of the team, not the boss,” Darma said, adding that every officer would have direct access to him to discuss ideas that could move the ministry forward.

“If after three months we fail to meet our targets, then it means we are failing Mr President and Nigerians.”

The minister vowed to strengthen the built environment, tackle urban slums and improve the nation’s housing system beyond mere political rhetoric, insisting that the sabotage of agreed reforms would not be tolerated. He said the ministry would also engage critical stakeholders across the built environment sector to ensure broad ownership of its policies and programmes.

Darma, who described himself as “a teacher” and “a disciplined person,” said punctuality, transparency and accountability would define his leadership, noting that he came straight from the airport to assume duty because of his commitment to service.

Earlier, the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Atta said the ministry had made major strides in housing delivery through Public-Private Partnerships, with projects across more than 17 states generating over 300,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Atta said flagship projects such as Karsana in Abuja, Ibeju-Lekki in Lagos and Janguza in Kano were at advanced stages and ready for commissioning, while other PPP-driven housing schemes in Gwagwalada, Lugbe, Osogbo and Ugbolu were progressing steadily. He added that reforms in land digitisation, housing finance, building materials hubs and federal asset renovation had further strengthened the sector.

While acknowledging challenges such as delayed budget releases, Atta expressed confidence that the ministry was well-positioned for accelerated delivery under the new minister, urging sustained focus on PPPs, land reforms, innovation, and stronger collaboration with private investors and development partners.