Ministerial nominee, Muttagha Darma, has pledged to work closely with the National Assembly to address Nigeria’s housing deficit, outlining plans to improve leadership, expand access to affordable housing, and strengthen institutional performance in the sector.
Speaking during his screening at the Senate on Thursday, Darma said his approach 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 would be key to eliminating longstanding challenges in the housing sector.
“We will work together with the National Assembly to ensure that the challenge of housing is addressed,” Darma told the lawmakers in Abuja.
He noted that more than 100 million Nigerians are affected by inadequate housing and underscored the need to make homes more accessible and affordable, particularly for low- and middle-income earners.
The nominee also pointed to the role of governance and accountability in improving outcomes, stating that reforms would target both public institutions and private sector participation in real estate development.
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Responding to concerns raised by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, the nominee acknowledged the scale of Nigeria’s housing deficit but expressed confidence that it could be addressed with the right policies and commitment.
“I believe everything is possible. I will do everything within my capacity to close the gaps and improve the situation,” he said.
Drawing on his previous experience as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), he assured lawmakers that he would reposition the housing ministry to become a model for efficiency and results.
On the issue of insecurity, the nominee added that he would contribute meaningfully to ongoing efforts to improve national security, noting that stable communities are essential for sustainable housing development.
On questions about restoring Abuja’s master plan, the nominee assured that urban development in the FCT will be squarely addressed.
Meanwhile, Ahmed Dangiwa has formally handed over the affairs of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi.
The handover follows a minor cabinet reshuffle by President Bola Tinubu and the resignation of Dangiwa on Tuesday.
The ceremony, held at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, complied with directives from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation that the process be concluded before the close of business on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
