The Senate has confirmed Muttaqha Rabe Darma as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria following his screening on Thursday.
The approval came after a question-and-answer session during plenary, after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu submitted his nomination to the upper chamber.
The request, read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, was referred to the Committee of the Whole, which later recommended his confirmation.
During the screening, Darma pledged to collaborate closely with the National Assembly to tackle Nigeria’s housing challenges.
“We will work together with the National Assembly to ensure that the issue of housing is addressed,” he said.
He noted that more than 100 million Nigerians are affected by inadequate housing, stressing the urgency of expanding access to affordable homes.
Darma also highlighted the need for policies focused on low- and middle-income earners, alongside reforms aimed at improving service delivery in the housing sector.
In response to concerns raised by Adams Oshiomhole, he expressed confidence in addressing the housing deficit, saying he would do everything within his capacity to bridge existing gaps.
He further emphasised the importance of accountability and effective governance, noting that both public institutions and private developers must play active roles.
Drawing from his experience as former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, Darma promised to reposition the ministry for greater efficiency.
He also linked housing development to national security, stating that stable communities are key to sustainable growth, and assured lawmakers that restoring Abuja’s master plan and improving urban development in the Federal Capital Territory would be priorities.
His confirmation comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to address Nigeria’s housing deficit and enhance service delivery in the sector.