Minister Urges Female Architects to Enhance Competence

On 12 September 2026, Engineer Muttaqha Rabe Darma, the Minister for Housing and Urban Development, addressed the Female Architects of Nigeria (FAN) during a courtesy visit led by Chairperson Architect Ene Agada in Abuja. Darma encouraged the association to prioritize professional competence over gender to achieve greater success in their roles.

He praised FAN for its commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, urging them to submit a formal proposal for initiatives to enhance women's participation in the built environment. The minister highlighted the presence of female architects in senior ministry positions contributing to its mandate.

He called for actionable follow-up at future meetings to ensure tangible outcomes. Dr. Shuaib Belgore, the Permanent Secretary, noted the visit's timeliness with the recent inauguration of a committee aimed at housing sector reforms.

Agada expressed the need for stronger collaboration and reaffirmed FAN's commitment to inclusivity and women empowerment, proposing joint development of affordable housing for vulnerable groups.