By Anayo Akwitti
The Nigerian Senate has confirmed Muttagha Darma as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria following a request by President Bola Tinubu.
His confirmation on Thursday came after Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, moved a motion during plenary for his screening and approval.
Before his appointment, Darma was known for his involvement in housing and development-related discussions, where he consistently advocated for improved access to affordable housing and stronger institutional reforms in the sector. His background is seen as closely aligned with his new ministerial responsibilities.
During his screening, he answered questions from lawmakers on his experience and capacity to handle the office. Senate President Godswill Akpabio later urged him to justify the confidence placed in him by President Tinubu and deliver results.
The confirmation comes amid a minor cabinet reshuffle by President Tinubu, which saw changes in the Finance and Housing ministries.
In a related development, the Senate also confirmed Obehi Okafor as Co-Chairman of the Governing Council of the Unclaimed Funds Trust Fund after considering the report of the Senate Committee on Finance chaired by Senator Muhammed Sani.
Speaking after his confirmation process, Darma pledged to work closely with the National Assembly to address Nigeria’s housing deficit and expand access to affordable homes.
He noted that over 100 million Nigerians are affected by inadequate housing, stressing the need for urgent reforms, stronger collaboration between the executive and legislature, and improved coordination with private developers to boost housing delivery nationwide.
