Home Ministry: Ita hands over command to Darma, promises support

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development on Monday formally marked a leadership transition as the Minister of State, Rt Hon Yusuf Abdullahi Ita, handed over the affairs of the Ministry to the newly appointed Minister, Eng. Muttaqha Rabe Darma.

Blueprint.ng learned that the handover ceremony, held at the Ministry headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja, followed Darma’s confirmation and swearing-in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

In his speech, Ita described the transition as a solemn responsibility anchored in national service.

“It is with a deep sense of duty, honor and commitment to national service that I formally welcome the Honorable Minister, Eng. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, Ph.D., to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.”

While formally handling the affairs of the Ministry, Ita noted that the process followed the approval by the President and the swearing-in of the new Minister.

Ita said the ministry, re-established in 2023 after its split from the former federal Ministry of Works and Housing, remained central to the implementation of the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He acknowledged the contributions of former minister Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, saying his leadership established a strong policy direction and institutional framework for sector-wide reforms.

“I wish to recognize the visionary foundation laid by the former Honorable Minister, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, whose tenure established strong policy direction and institutional frameworks for sectoral reforms. Following his redeployment, I was responsible for overseeing the Ministry, ensuring continuity of policies, programs and strategic initiatives,” he said.

The outgoing Minister of State highlighted key achievements in housing provision and reform initiatives, particularly through public-private partnerships (PPPs).

He noted that “large-scale construction development in over 17 states… has generated over 300,000 direct and indirect jobs,” adding that ongoing projects in Karsana, Ibeju-Lekki and Janguza are at an advanced stage and nearing commissioning.

He also referred to expanded housing initiatives in Gwagwalada, Lugbe, Osogbo, Ugbolu and other strategic locations, as well as emerging developments under federal collaborative frameworks.

On infrastructure reforms and initiatives, the ITA highlighted ongoing reforms in land administration, including the centralized land depository management system designed to improve transparency and efficiency.

He also emphasized promoting building materials manufacturing centers, facilities management systems and revamping federal operations as part of efforts to expand job creation in the sector.

Despite the progress, he noted funding constraints, saying “inadequate and delayed release of budgetary allocations hampered the timely delivery of critical infrastructure and slowed the pace of project implementation.”

However, he expressed confidence in continuity and progress under the incoming leadership.

“As I hand over the baton to the Honorable Minister, I am confident that the Ministry is well positioned to consolidate these achievements.”

Ita, while wishing the Honorable Minister a successful and high-impact mandate, promised institutional cooperation for the new Minister.

“I assure the Honorable Minister of the full collaboration and support of the management and staff of the Ministry in fulfilling his mandate.

“I remain committed to supporting the continued advancement of the housing sector and urban development in Nigeria,” he promised.