NEW HOUSING MINISTER DARMA ASSUMES OFFICE,  PROMISES STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT,  OPEN DOOR POLICY 

Engr Muttaqha Rabe Darma,  PhD,  the newly appointed,  screened and confirmed Minister for Housing and Urban Development has assummed Office,  Monday,  April 27th, 2026

Engr Darma promised effective stakeholder engagement,  consultations and open door policy towards achieving the Ministry’s mandate and drive reform in the housing sector 

The  Minister expressed his readiness to reposition the Ministry to achieve greater impact,  effectiveness and transparency, in line with the Federal Government’s housing and urban development agenda. He emphasized that his leadership will be anchored on inclusiveness, accountability, innovation, and results-driven performance.

“I  am ready to move the Ministry forward. My doors are open to everyone. I am willing to listen to ideas, suggestions, and contributions from all stakeholders, provided they are aimed at advancing the progress and mandate of the Ministry,” he stated.

He stated that, he will undetake comprehensive meetings with heads of departments and agencies, professional/regulatory bodies in the housing sector to review the current operational landscape of the Ministry, including its policies, programmes, and institutional frameworks.

Accordingly, he explained that the engagements will focus on identifying the Ministry’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges, with a view to developing a clear, actionable roadmap for improved service delivery. 

" Insights derived from these consultations will guide the formulation of strategic initiatives and reforms necessary to reposition the Ministry for optimal performance" he remarked 

While stressing the importance of teamwork, discipline, and dedication among staff, he noted that the success of his administration will depend largely on collective effort and shared responsibility.
 

He also cautioned against any form of bureaucratic bottlenecks, indiscipline, or sabotage that could hinder progress, emphasizing that such actions will not be tolerated.

“We must all be committed to the success of this Ministry. There should be no room for actions that will undermine our collective goals. I am here to work, and I expect everyone to key into this vision with sincerity and dedication,” he said.

Highlighting key areas of focus, the Minister identified urban renewal - particularly the upgrading and development of slum areas-as a top priority.

He underscored the need for deliberate and sustained interventions aimed at improving living conditions in under served communities, promoting inclusive urban planning, and ensuring access to decent and affordable housing for all Nigerians.

The Minister assured staff of his determination to build on existing achievements while introducing innovative approaches that will enhance efficiency, productivity, and overall sector performance, stating priorities in strengthening PPPs, deepening skills development, advancing land reforms, and leveraging digitalization for more efficient housing delivery.

“I am committed to building on the solid foundation already laid and to driving bold, innovative solutions that will expand access to affordable housing, create jobs for Nigerians, and foster sustainable urban development across the country. We will work with all stakeholders to deliver tangible results for citizens in line with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope vision" Darma stated

Earlier In his remarks, Minister of State,  Rt. Hon Abdullahi Yusuf Ata said the Ministry has made significant strides since its re-establishment in 2023, particularly through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in housing delivery and urban development.

He listed the Renewed Hope Housing Programme across 17 states, which has created over 300,000 jobs, alongside advanced PPP projects in Karsana, Ibeju-Lekki, and Janguza now nearing commissioning.

Other achievements he mentioned include the expansion of the National Housing Programme, digitization of land records via the Centralised Lands Repository Management System, and the establishment of building materials manufacturing hubs in all six geopolitical zones.

Ata noted that while budgetary delays remain a challenge, the Ministry has built a strong pipeline of PPP projects and reforms to accelerate affordable housing delivery and job creation.

In his address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Dr. Shuaib Belgore said that the ministry remains confident that under the leadership of Engr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, the Ministry will experience a renewed drive towards excellence, inclusiveness, and impactful service delivery in line with national development priorities.