Senate okays Darma as Housing Minister, tasks him on deficit, urban planning crisis
The Senate on Thursday confirmed Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, charging him with tackling the country’s huge housing deficit and restoring sanity to
The Senate on Thursday confirmed Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, charging him with tackling the country’s huge housing deficit and restoring sanity to urban planning nationwide.
His confirmation followed a detailed screening by the Committee of the Whole after the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), moved a motion for consideration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request in line with Section 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
During the screening, lawmakers subjected the nominee to questions bordering on housing finance, urban development, insecurity, and social responsibility, while also acknowledging his public service record.
Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (Borno North) described Darma’s résumé as “impressive,” but noted that the housing sector requires urgent and practical solutions.
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“You will be confronted with the challenge of bridging Nigeria’s housing deficit. What strategies will you deploy, and how will you address rural-urban migration driven by inadequate housing?” Monguno asked.
On his part, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) focused on housing finance, urging the nominee to prioritise access to affordable homes for Nigerian workers.
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“How will you ensure pension funds are effectively deployed to provide affordable housing? What new initiatives will strengthen the mortgage system so that contributors can own homes before retirement?” he queried.
Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua (Katsina Central), however, threw his weight behind the nominee, noting that all senators from Katsina State supported the nomination.
Yar’Adua said, “Dr. Darma is competent, disciplined, and has a proven track record in public service. His mentorship under the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and his performance at the Petroleum Technology Development Fund stand him out. I urge colleagues to confirm him.”
Similarly, Senator Mohammed Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) broadened the discourse to national security, asking the nominee to outline his contributions to tackling insecurity while serving on the Federal Executive Council.
Responding, Dr. Darma acknowledged the enormity of Nigeria’s housing deficit, stressing that strong leadership, collaboration, and innovative financing would be central to addressing the challenge.
“We must enhance affordability and accessibility through effective policies and stakeholder collaboration. Housing delivery cannot be done in isolation,” he said.
On pension funds, he pledged to work with relevant institutions to unlock financing for housing delivery, while assuring that mortgage systems would be strengthened.
Darma also reaffirmed his commitment to philanthropy, revealing that his human development centre in Katsina State had trained over 167,000 youths since 2013.
“I remain committed to social development alongside public service,” he stated.
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On insecurity, the minister-designate cited his academic work linking poverty and drug abuse to criminality and expressed readiness to contribute to policy solutions at the federal level.
Further contributions from lawmakers highlighted systemic issues in the housing sector. Senator Babangida Hussaini (Jigawa North-West) urged the nominee to harmonize housing programs and address the problem of abandoned projects.
“There are many unoccupied and abandoned housing units. Consider selling them at discounted rates to prevent vandalism and wastage,” he advised.
Also, Senator Garba Musa Maidoki (Kebbi South) raised concerns over distortions in the Abuja Master Plan, warning that Nigerians would judge the administration by its performance.
“How will you address unauthorised conversions of residential areas and poor urban planning practices?” he asked.
In his response, Darma pledged to identify and rehabilitate abandoned housing projects in collaboration with relevant agencies.
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“We will ensure efficient allocation of such properties and prevent further wastage,” he said.
On urban planning, he acknowledged the deterioration of standards, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory, and promised to work with authorities to restore order.
“Effective delivery will depend on strong inter-agency cooperation and adherence to sustainable urban development principles,” he added.
Following deliberations, the Senate approved his nomination through a voice vote, with the “ayes” overwhelmingly prevailing.
In his remarks, the Senate President congratulated the new minister-designate and urged him to justify the confidence reposed in him.
He said, “You must deliver on your mandate and meet the expectations of Nigerians who are looking up to you for results in the housing sector.”
