President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Dr Muttaqha Darma as the new Minister of Housing and Urban Development.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at the President’s Conference Room, Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before 4:00 p.m.

Darma, a former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, was confirmed by the Senate on Thursday following a screening exercise. 

His nomination had earlier been conveyed to the upper chamber in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

During the screening, Darma pledged to collaborate closely with the National Assembly to tackle Nigeria’s housing deficit, noting that over 100 million Nigerians currently lack access to adequate housing.

He also outlined plans to strengthen leadership within the sector, expand access to affordable housing, and enhance the capacity of relevant institutions.

Darma succeeds Ahmed Dangiwa, whose exit followed a minor Federal Executive Council reshuffle announced earlier in the week.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, stated that the changes were aimed at improving cohesion in governance and enhancing economic delivery under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Dangiwa formally handed over the ministry on Thursday in compliance with a directive from the SGF’s office.