President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Muttaqha Darma as Minister of Housing and Urban Development, following the resignation of Ahmed Dangiwa.

The swearing-in ceremony took place on Friday at the State House, Abuja, after Darma’s confirmation by the Senate.

Congratulating the new minister, Tinubu described his appointment as timely, noting that the country requires capable leadership amid current development challenges.

“You have a very rich and interesting background. As a leader, we need competent hands like yours. There is no doubt that you have rendered valuable services in all the assignments you have embarked upon; you are a fitting peg in the right position,” the President said in a statement issued by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga.

He also urged Darma to remain ready to serve in any capacity required in advancing national development goals.

Darma, an indigene of Katsina State, holds a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Liverpool and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Atlantic International University, United States. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bayero University, Kano, and a Master’s in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Benin.

A member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Nigerian Institute of Management, he previously served as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund between 2008 and 2012.

He also held positions as Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, as well as Commissioner for Rural and Social Development in Katsina State. In addition to his public service career, Darma has contributed to academia as a lecturer at Bayero University, Kano, and has published works on governance and development.

Before his appointment, he was President of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Human Development Centre in Katsina.