Senate confirms Darma as minister, tasks him with tackling housing deficit

Nigeria's Senate has officially confirmed Muttaqha Darma as a new minister, following a thorough screening process where he articulated his vision for tackling the nation's pressing housing crisis. Darma, nominated by President Bola Tinubu, assured lawmakers of his commitment to working closely with the National Assembly to bridge the significant housing deficit that impacts over 100 million citizens.

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We will work together with the National Assembly to ensure that the challenge of housing is addressed.

His proposed approach centers on enhancing leadership within the sector, expanding access to affordable housing, and strengthening institutional frameworks. Darma, a trained engineer, emphasized that collaboration with the legislative arm would be crucial in overcoming the long-standing challenges plaguing the housing sector. He expressed confidence that with the right policies and a focus on governance and accountability, the deficit, though substantial, can be effectively addressed.

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I believe everything is possible. I will do everything within my capacity to close the gaps and improve the situation.

The minister-designate also touched upon the interconnectedness of security and housing development, stressing that stable communities are essential for sustainable housing initiatives. Furthermore, he committed to addressing concerns regarding urban planning, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory, promising to prioritize the restoration of Abuja's master plan. Darma's confirmation signals a renewed focus on addressing a critical infrastructure gap that affects a vast segment of the Nigerian population.

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On the issue of insecurity, he added that he would contribute to efforts aimed at stabilising communities, stressing that safety is essential for sustainable housing development.