President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Dr Muttaqha Darma as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development.

The ceremony took place on Friday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before 4:00 p.m.

Darma, a former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, was confirmed by the Senate on Thursday after a screening exercise.

His nomination was earlier communicated to the Senate in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

During his screening, Darma pledged to work with the National Assembly to address Nigeria’s housing deficit, which he said affects over 100 million citizens.

He also promised to expand access to affordable housing and strengthen institutions in the housing sector.

Darma succeeds Ahmed Dangiwa, following a minor reshuffle in the Federal Executive Council announced earlier in the week.

The Presidency said the changes were aimed at improving coordination and strengthening delivery under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, had explained that the adjustments were part of efforts to enhance governance efficiency.

Dangiwa had formally handed over the ministry on Thursday in line with federal directives.

With his swearing-in, Darma is expected to immediately assume responsibility for one of the government’s key infrastructure and social development portfolios.