“Housing Crisis Focus” — Senate Confirms Darma As Minister After Screening, Passes Pension Reform Bill

The Senate on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The confirmation followed a letter sent by President Bola Tinubu to the Senate on Wednesday seeking the formal approval of the appointment.

During a plenary session presided over by the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Dr. Darma was questioned extensively on his strategies to tackle the housing crisis currently affecting the country, should he be assigned the Housing portfolio.

Satisfied with his responses and presentation, the Senate proceeded to confirm his appointment.

In the same session, the Senate confirmed the nomination of Obehi Aire Okafor as the Co-chairman of the Governing Council of the Unclaimed Funds Trust Fund.

This confirmation followed the submission of a screening report by the Chairman of the Committee on Finance, Senator Musa Mohammed Sani (Niger East).

The Senate also passed the National Assembly Service Pension Board (Establishment Act) Amendment Bill, 2026.

Our correspondent reports that the bill seeks to reform the contributory pension scheme and reconstitute the board.