Barely twenty-four hours after his nomination as Minister, the Minister-designate, Dr Muttaqha Darma has been confirmed by the Senate.
He pledged to work closely with the National Assembly to address Nigeria’s housing deficit.
Darma made the commitment while responding to questions during his screening at Senate on Thursday in Abuja.
He outlined plans to strengthen leadership, expand access to affordable housing and improve institutional performance in the sector.
Speaking during his screening, Darma said his approach if confirmed would focus on bridging what he described as a leadership gap that has hindered effective housing delivery across the country.
According to him, collaboration with lawmakers will be key to resolving longstanding challenges in the housing sector.
Following the screening, Darma was asked to bow and leave the chamber.
His confirmation was subsequently secured through a voice vote conducted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, with lawmakers overwhelmingly backing the appointment.
Earlier, Sen. Babangida Hussaini (APC–Jigawa), expressed concern over numerous uncompleted and unoccupied housing projects across the country.
He noted that under the National Housing Programme launched during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, many completed houses remain unsold and unoccupied, with some already being vandalised.
Hussaini also referenced the ongoing Renewed Housing Programme, urging the government to harmonise all housing initiatives.
He further advised collaboration with the contributory workers’ housing scheme under the pension programme to facilitate the sale of the houses even at discounted rates if necessary.
“Leaving them unoccupied only leads to deterioration and vandalism,” he said.
In his remarks, Akpabio described Darma as “a square peg in a square hole,” expressing confidence in his capacity to deliver.
“We believe, based on his résumé and responses, that he is well-suited for the role. We wish him success in his service to the nation,” he said.
Akpabio urged the minister-designate to sustain his record of dedication and to heed the advice of lawmakers, particularly on harmonising housing initiatives and improving affordability.
He also called for urgent attention to abandoned and dilapidated structures nationwide, noting that they pose both environmental and security risks.
(NAN)
