The Senate of Nigeria has confirmed the nomination of Muttaqha Darma as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria following his screening in plenary.
Darma, who was nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, secured approval after addressing lawmakers on his competence, policy direction, and plans to tackle the country’s housing challenges.
During the session, the minister-designate pledged to collaborate closely with the National Assembly to reduce Nigeria’s housing deficit. He outlined reforms aimed at improving leadership, expanding access to affordable housing, and strengthening institutional capacity within the sector.
He noted that his strategy would focus on addressing what he described as a leadership gap that has hindered effective housing delivery nationwide, stressing that partnership with lawmakers is crucial to overcoming long-standing issues.
“We will work together with the National Assembly to ensure that the challenge of housing is addressed,” he said.
Darma highlighted the scale of the problem, stating that over 100 million Nigerians are affected by inadequate housing. He emphasised the need to make housing more accessible and affordable, particularly for low- and middle-income earners.
Responding to questions raised by Adams Oshiomhole, he acknowledged the magnitude of the housing deficit but expressed confidence in addressing it through effective policies.
“I believe everything is possible. I will do everything within my capacity to close the gaps and improve the situation,” he said.
Drawing from his experience as former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, Darma assured lawmakers of his readiness to reposition the ministry for measurable results. He also pointed to the importance of governance and accountability in driving improvements, including stronger collaboration with the private sector.
On security concerns, he noted that stabilising communities is essential for sustainable housing development, while also assuring senators of efforts to restore the master plan of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The confirmation followed the formal submission of his nomination by the President, which was read in plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio before being referred to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.
Darma, a mechanical engineering graduate of Bayero University Kano, is expected to bring technical expertise to a ministry central to addressing Nigeria’s growing housing and urban infrastructure needs.
Despite past political controversy surrounding his role as a former deputy governorship candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party in 2023, his confirmation signals the administration’s push to deploy technocrats to key sectors, particularly housing, where demand continues to outpace supply.
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