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, Engr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma.
Blueprint.ng learnt that the handover ceremony, held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja, followed Darma’s confirmation and swearing-in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
In his address, Ita described the transition as a solemn responsibility anchored on national service.
“It is with a deep sense of duty, honour, and commitment to national service that I formally welcome the Honourable Minister, Engr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, Ph.D., to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.”
While formally handling over the affairs of the Ministry, Ita noted that the process followed the President’s approval and swearing-in of the new Minister.
Ita said the Ministry, re-established in 2023 after its demerger from the former Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, had remained central to the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.
He acknowledged the contributions of former Minister Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, stating that his leadership laid a strong policy direction and institutional framework for sector-wide reforms.
”I wish to acknowledge the visionary foundation laid by the former Honourable Minister, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, whose tenure established strong policy direction and institutional frameworks for sectoral reforms. Following his redeployment, I had the responsibility of overseeing the Ministry, ensuring continuity in policies, programmes, and strategic initiatives,” he said.
The outgoing Minister of State outlined major achievements in housing delivery and reform initiatives, particularly through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
He noted that “large-scale housing developments across over 17 States… have generated over 300,000 direct and indirect jobs,” adding that ongoing projects in Karsana, Ibeju-Lekki, and Janguza are at advanced stages and approaching commissioning.
He also referenced expanded housing initiatives in Gwagwalada, Lugbe, Osogbo, Ugbolu, and other strategic locations, as well as emerging developments under federal collaboration frameworks.
On reforms and infrastructure initiatives, Ita highlighted ongoing reforms in land administration, including the Centralised Lands Repository Management System designed to improve transparency and efficiency.
He also pointed to the promotion of building materials manufacturing hubs, facility management systems, and renovation of federal assets as part of efforts to expand job creation in the sector.
Despite progress, he noted funding constraints, stating that “the inadequate and delayed release of budgetary allocations has hindered the timely provision 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 to the Honourable Minister, I am confident that the Ministry is well-positioned to consolidate on these gains.”
Ita while wishing the Honourable Minister a successful and impactful tenure, pledged institutional cooperation for the new Minister.
“I assure the Honourable Minister of the full cooperation and support of the management and staff of the Ministry in achieving its mandate.
”I remain committed to supporting the continued advancement of the housing and urban development sector in Nigeria,” he pledged.