By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times, Abuja, April 23, 2026
A ministerial nominee for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Dr. Muttaqa Rabe Darma, has pledged to prioritise affordable housing and improve access for Nigerians if confirmed.
Speaking during his screening before the Senate on Thursday, Darma expressed concern over what he described as an imbalance in the housing sector, where private real estate developers reap quick gains while government-owned houses remain underutilised.
He said government housing programmes should be driven by public welfare rather than profit, attributing existing challenges to poor commitment and weak implementation by relevant authorities.
Darma assured lawmakers that he would focus on ensuring that housing is both accessible and affordable across all income levels.
On his philanthropic activities, the nominee said he would continue to support humanitarian initiatives alongside public service. He cited the establishment of the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Human Development Centre in Katsina State, where over 167,000 youths have been trained in various skills since 2013.
He added that if confirmed, he would expand such interventions to other states to boost youth empowerment nationwide.
