By ANGELA ATABO

The newly appointed Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Malam Muttaqa Darma, has pledged to lead with inclusiveness, accountability, and a strong focus on affordable housing.

Darma said this when he assumed duty at the ministry in Abuja on Monday, describing his leadership style as collaborative.

He likened his role to that of a team captain rather than a traditional boss.

The minister also announced plans for an immediate, comprehensive review of the ministry’s structure and operations disclosing that meetings with directors would begin within days to assess challenges, opportunities, and institutional strengths.

According to him, the outcome of the review will shape a detailed action plan with clear performance benchmarks to be presented to President Bola Tinubu.

“We are all team players. We are in a team and we are set to win the competition.To me, I am just a captain of the team. I am not a boss.

“Of course, the captain is a leader, but he also takes instructions from the coach.The president is the coach. He has already discussed with us what to do.

“We are going to do it in the field and we are going to succeed no matter what. I just say we are team players. So each and every member of this team is as important as the other.”

Darma said that measurable indicators and timelines would be defined, adding ” If we fail to meet them, then we must accept that we are failing.”

He also issued a firm warning against sabotage, stressing that any actions undermining agreed policies would not be tolerated.

The minister identified housing affordability as a major priority, citing the high cost of housing in urban centres such as Abuja, where one-bedroom apartments could sell for as much as N25 million to N30 million.

“That is not affordable for the average Nigerian.

“Most certainly we will look into it and make sure that houses are affordable either in Abuja or in any other city in Nigeria.

“We will do our best to solve these issues, to solve these problems,” Darma said.

Beyond housing delivery, the minister highlighted the need to address urban development challenges, including slum upgrading and strengthening the construction sector.

He stressed that sustainability would be central to all future projects.

Darma reiterated his commitment to transparency, cooperation, and measurable progress.

Earlier, the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to continuity and reform.

Ata credited former minister, Ahmed Dangiwa, with establishing a strong policy and institutional foundation.

He highlighted key achievements, including the expansion of public-private partnership (PPP) housing projects, implementation of the National Housing Programme, and job creation across the sector.

Ata also said that ongoing housing developments nationwide have generated more than 300,000 direct and indirect jobs.

He also pointed to reforms such as the centralised land registration system aimed at improving transparency and boosting investor confidence.

In spite of the progress, Ata acknowledged challenges such as delayed budget releases and infrastructure gaps, but expressed confidence in the ministry’s direction.

Also, the Permanent Secretary Dr Shuaib Belgore said that the ministry, re-established in 2023 after being carved out from the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, had played a pivotal role in addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit and urbanization pressures.

Belgore said that the restructuring aligned with the broader development agenda of the Tinubu administration, positioning the ministry to deliver sustainable housing and drive economic growth. (NAN)

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