Ministerial Nominee Darma Pledges Bold Reforms on Housing, Urban Development

Ministerial nominee, Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, has pledged decisive action to address Nigeria’s housing deficit, strengthen institutional coordination, and promote affordable housing delivery if confirmed as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Darma made the commitment on Thursday during his screening before the Senate, where lawmakers interrogated him on housing policy, urban renewal, insecurity, and pension-driven housing finance.

The screening followed a motion moved by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), urging the chamber to consider President Bola Tinubu’s request for the confirmation of Dr. Darma in line with Section 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The Senate thereafter resolved into the Committee of the Whole for the exercise.

Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (Borno North) commended the nominee’s credentials but sought clarity on how he would bridge Nigeria’s housing gap and manage rural-urban migration.

Senator Binos Yaroe (Adamawa South) asked whether Darma would continue his philanthropic engagements while in public office.

Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (Katsina Central) strongly backed the nomination, describing Darma as competent and disciplined, and referencing his mentorship under the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and his record at the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF).

Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) focused on housing finance reforms, questioning how pension funds could be better utilised to enable workers achieve home ownership before retirement.

Senator Mohammed Aliero (Kebbi Central) expanded the discussion to insecurity, asking what role the nominee would play in addressing banditry, farmer-herder clashes, and broader security challenges.

Responding, Darma acknowledged Nigeria’s severe housing deficit, stressing the need for stronger leadership, policy coordination, and inter-agency collaboration.

He said affordability and access would remain central to his housing strategy, while emphasising partnerships with stakeholders to develop sustainable financing models.

On social engagement, he noted his continued involvement in development initiatives, including a human development centre in Katsina State that has reportedly trained over 167,000 youths since 2013.

He also pledged to work with relevant institutions to ensure pension funds play a more impactful role in housing delivery.

Drawing on his experience at PTDF, Darma said reforms he led transformed the agency into a more efficient institution, adding that he intends to replicate similar results in the housing sector.

On insecurity, he referenced his academic work linking poverty and drug abuse to criminality, noting that evidence-based policies would be critical in addressing national security challenges.

Also, Senator Babangida Hussaini (Jigawa North-West) urged the nominee to harmonise fragmented housing programmes and address abandoned estates nationwide, suggesting discounted sales to prevent deterioration.

Senator Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) raised concerns over distortions in the Abuja Master Plan, calling for urgent reforms to restore order in the Federal Capital Territory’s urban development.

In his closing remarks, Darma pledged to prioritise abandoned housing projects, promising their rehabilitation, allocation, or disposal in line with national housing objectives.

He also vowed to work closely with the Federal Capital Territory Administration and other relevant agencies to restore discipline in urban planning and enforcement of development regulations.

“Effective delivery will depend on strong inter-agency collaboration and stakeholder engagement,” he said.

Following deliberations, the Senate subjected the nomination to a voice vote, with the “ayes” carrying the day.

Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma was subsequently confirmed as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio congratulated the new minister, urging him to justify the confidence reposed in him by delivering on his mandate and meeting Nigerians’ expectations.

Meanwhile, Ahmed Dangiwa has formally handed over the affairs of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullah’s.

The handover follow a minor cabinet reshuffle by President Bola Tinubu and the resignation of Dangiwa on Tuesday.

The ceremony, held at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, complied with directives from the Office of of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation that the process be concluded before the close of business on Thursday, April 23, 2026