The Senate confirms Muttagha Darma as minister as he outlines plans to address Nigeria’s housing deficit.
Nigerian Senate has confirmed Muttagha Darma as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, following a request by President Bola Tinubu.
The Senate approved the nomination on Thursday, after Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion for his screening and confirmation during plenary.
After answering questions on his experience and capacity, President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio urged Darma to justify the confidence reposed in him and deliver on his mandate.
The confirmation comes amid a cabinet reshuffle that led to the removal of the Ministers of Finance and Housing.
In a related decision, the Senate also confirmed Obehi Okafor as Co-Chairman of the Governing Council of the Unclaimed Funds Trust Fund. Lawmakers based the approval on the report of the Senate Committee on Finance chaired by Muhammed Sani.
Darma Targets Housing Deficit
During his screening in Abuja, Darma pledged to work closely with the National Assembly to tackle Nigeria’s housing deficit and expand access to affordable housing.
He said he will focus on strengthening leadership in the housing sector, improving institutional efficiency, and expanding home ownership opportunities for low- and middle-income earners.
“We will work together with the National Assembly to ensure that the challenge of housing is addressed,” he said.
Darma noted that more than 100 million Nigerians face inadequate housing and called for urgent reforms, stronger executive-legislative collaboration, and better coordination between government agencies and private developers.
Responding to concerns raised by Adams Oshiomhole, he acknowledged the scale of the challenge but expressed confidence that effective policies and commitment can close the gap.
“I will do everything within my capacity to improve the situation,” he added.
He also pledged to reposition the ministry for efficiency, drawing from his experience as former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund.
Darma stressed that improved security and stable communities remain critical to sustainable housing development. He also assured lawmakers that authorities will address urban planning issues, including the Abuja master plan.
Dangiwa Hands Over After Reshuffle
Meanwhile, Ahmed Dangiwa has handed over the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to the Minister of State, Yusuf Abdullahi.
Officials conducted the handover at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja in line with directives from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, following Dangiwa’s resignation earlier in the week.
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