Muttaqha Darma: Profile of Nigeria’s new housing minister

Muttaqha Rabe Darma is a Nigerian engineer, academic, and public administrator who has now been confirmed by the Senate as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria following his nomination by President Bola Tinubu.

His confirmation came after a successful screening by lawmakers, paving the way for him to take charge of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

Background

He studied Mechanical Engineering at Bayero University, Kano, where he later lectured, building a strong foundation in engineering research and teaching.

He also holds a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Liverpool and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Atlantic International University, alongside additional qualifications in engineering and business administration.

Career in public service

Darma began his public service career in Katsina State, where he served under the administration of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

During that period, he held commissioner roles in several ministries, including Works and Housing, Rural Development, Transport, and Women Affairs, placing him at the centre of infrastructure development and governance.

At the federal level, he later served as Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, where he oversaw scholarship programmes, capacity-building initiatives, and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Private sector and investment experience

Beyond government, Darma has built experience in the private sector. He worked with Coshcharis Group Limited and later became President of Pleasant Investment, a firm with interests in oil, gas, and energy-related ventures.

His exposure to both public and private systems has shaped his approach to development and investment.

Political journey and affiliations

Darma has remained active in Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly within northern political structures.

He was the NNPP deputy governorship candidate in Katsina State during the 2023 elections but was later removed by the party after endorsing APC candidate Dikko Radda at a meeting described as unauthorised.

He is also associated with the political legacy of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, reflecting longstanding ties within the region.

He has since declared his intention to contest the Katsina Central Senatorial seat under the All Progressives Congress in 2027.

Appointment as Housing Minister

Darma’s nomination as Minister-designate for the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development formed part of a cabinet reshuffle approved by President Bola Tinubu.

The nomination was conveyed in a memo signed by George Akume, directing a transition process ahead of his assumption of office.

Following his Senate confirmation, he is set to replace Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, with handover arrangements already underway.

Darma assumes office at a critical period for Nigeria’s housing sector. The ministry is currently implementing the Renewed Hope Estates and Cities programme, which aims to deliver 100,000 housing units nationwide through a combination of government-funded projects and public-private partnerships.

The Estates model focuses on subsidised housing supported by government funding and state-provided land, while the Cities model relies on private developers, resulting in higher pricing.

In addition, the ministry is advancing a nationwide land formalisation project in partnership with the World Bank.

The initiative is designed to document land ownership across the country within five years through a National Land Digital System, with the goal of unlocking billions of dollars in dormant assets and improving access to credit.