Senate begins screening of Tinubu’s ministerial nominee

The Nigerian Senate has initiated the crucial screening process for Muttaqha Darma, President Bola Tinubu's nominee for the vital Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. This step signifies the administration's ongoing efforts to assemble a capable team to tackle pressing national challenges, particularly the country's substantial housing deficit and urban infrastructure needs.

Darma, a qualified engineer with a degree from Bayero University Kano, is expected to bring valuable technical expertise to the ministry. His nomination is seen by some as a strategic move by the administration to appoint technocrats to lead infrastructure-focused portfolios. This approach aligns with the goal of addressing the persistent gap between housing demand and supply in Nigeria's rapidly growing urban centers.

“

As of press time, senators had begun questioning the nominee on his qualifications, policy direction, and readiness to manage the critical housing portfolio.

However, Darma's nomination is not without its political context. He was previously expelled from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) after endorsing the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate during the 2023 gubernatorial elections, an action the party deemed "illegal and unconstitutional." Despite this past controversy, his appointment is viewed as an attempt to infuse technical competence into a sector critical for national development. The Senate's thorough examination will determine his suitability to lead this key ministry and contribute to the administration's housing agenda.

“

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who read the communication from Tinubu during plenary, subsequently referred it to the Committee of the Whole for consideration, directing that the panel report back “as soon as practicable.”