Tinubu Nominates Muttaqha Darma as Housing Minister

President Bola Tinubu nominated Muttaqha Darma as the Minister-designate for Housing and Urban Development on Tuesday, following a cabinet reshuffle that affected two key ministries, including housing. Darma, who has a background in mechanical engineering from Bayero University Kano, has held several public service positions at both state and federal levels, including roles in the ministries of housing, rural development, transport, and women affairs during the administration of former President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua.

He served as the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, overseeing capacity-building programs and scholarships in Nigeria's oil and gas sector. Darma's appointment aligns with his experience in public sector administration and infrastructure development.

He is associated with northern political structures and has a longstanding political legacy linked to Yar'Adua. Recently, he declared his intent to contest for the Katsina Central senatorial seat in the 2027 elections under the Progressives Congress (APC) after the NNPP party expelled him for unauthorized meetings.