Senate Confirms Darma as Minister, Tasks Him on Housing Deficit, Urban Planning

Jane Salihu

The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria following his screening by lawmakers.

The confirmation followed the consideration of a request from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, presented by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, in line with Section 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

During the screening, senators focused largely on strategies to tackle Nigeria’s housing deficit, improve housing finance and strengthen urban planning across the country.

Lawmakers including Mohammed Tahir Monguno and Adams Oshiomhole asked the nominee to outline measures he would adopt to bridge the housing gap and ensure pension funds are effectively deployed to provide affordable homes for Nigerian workers.

Other senators raised concerns over abandoned housing projects, distortions in the Abuja Master Plan and the need for improved coordination among agencies responsible for housing and urban development.

Responding, Dr. Darma acknowledged the scale of Nigeria’s housing deficit and pledged to promote policies that would make housing more accessible and affordable through collaboration with stakeholders and improved financing models.

He also assured lawmakers of efforts to identify and rehabilitate abandoned housing projects while working with relevant authorities to restore planning standards and promote sustainable urban development.

Following deliberations, the Senate confirmed his nomination through a voice vote after the “a yes” prevailed.

In his remarks, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, congratulated the new minister and urged him to justify the confidence reposed in him by delivering on his mandate and meeting the expectations of Nigerians.