- Senate confirms Darma as minister after screening exercise
- He pledges to tackle housing deficit affecting millions
- Focus includes affordable housing and sector reforms
The Senate has confirmed Muttaqha Rabe Darma as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria following his screening during plenary on Thursday.
The confirmation came after a question and answer session with lawmakers, after President Bola Tinubu had earlier forwarded his nomination to the upper chamber for consideration.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- FA Introduces New Rules To Limit Heading In Football
- President Tinubu Has Not Endorsed Any APC Candidate for 2027 – Jandor
- Police Arrest 2 Over Trafficking of Nigerian Woman to Côte d’Ivoire
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the request was read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and subsequently referred to the Committee of the Whole, which later recommended Darma’s confirmation.
During his screening, Darma assured lawmakers of his readiness to work closely with the National Assembly to tackle Nigeria’s housing challenges.
“We will work together with the National Assembly to ensure that the challenge of housing is addressed,” he said.
He noted that more than 100 million Nigerians are affected by inadequate housing, stressing the urgent need to expand access to affordable homes across the country.
Darma said his focus would include policies targeted at low and middle income earners, as well as reforms aimed at improving service delivery within the housing sector.
Responding to concerns raised by Adams Oshiomhole, the minister expressed confidence in addressing the housing deficit.
“I believe everything is possible. I will do everything within my capacity to close the gaps and improve the situation,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening governance and accountability, noting that both public institutions and private developers have critical roles to play in solving the housing crisis.
Darma pledged to reposition the ministry for greater efficiency, drawing from his experience as former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund.
He further stated that improving national security would support sustainable housing development, adding that stable communities are essential for long term growth.
The minister also assured lawmakers that restoring Abuja’s master plan and improving urban development in the Federal Capital Territory would be among his priorities.
His confirmation comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to address the country’s housing deficit and improve service delivery in the sector.
