- Nominee pledges to address Nigeria’s housing deficit
BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – The Senate has confirmed Dr Muttaqa Rabe Darma as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria following a screening session, with questions and answers from the lawmakers.
President Bola Tinubu had on Wednesday written to the Senate, seeking the screening and subsequent confirmation of Muttaqa Rabe Darma as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who read the communication from President Tinubu, thereafter referred it to the Committee of the Whole for further legislative action, with a directive to report back as soon as practicable.
Darma Promises Housing Reforms
In his engagement with the Senate, Ministerial nominee, Dr. Muttaqa Darma, pledged to work closely with the National Assembly (NASS) to address Nigeria’s housing deficit, outlining plans to improve leadership, expand access to affordable housing, and strengthen institutional performance in the sector.
Addressing the lawmakers at the screening session on Thursday, Darma said his approach would focus on bridging the existing leadership gap that has hindered effective housing delivery nationwide.
He said collaborating with the lawmakers would be key to eliminating longstanding challenges in the housing sector, adding: “We will work together with the National Assembly to ensure that the challenge of housing is addressed.”
Darma told the lawmakers that more than 100 million Nigerians are affected by inadequate housing and underscored the need to make homes more accessible and affordable, particularly for low- and middle-income earners.
According to him, given the role of governance and accountability in improving outcomes, reforms in the housing sector would target both public institutions and private sector participation in real estate development.
The Ministerial nominee, who addressed concerns raised by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, acknowledged the magnitude of Nigeria’s housing shortage but maintained that appropriate policies and dedication could overcome it.
He said: “I believe every challenge is surmountable. I am committed to doing everything in my power to bridge these gaps and enhance the situation.”
Leveraging his background as the former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Darma pledged to transform the Housing Ministry into a paragon of efficiency, performance and positive results.
The nominee, who also addressed issues around insecurity, assured the lawmakers of supporting national stability efforts, stressing that safe and stable communities are foundational to sustainable housing development
He also responded to questions on restoring Abuja’s master plan, assuring the Senators that urban development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will be effectively handled.
