New Minister of Housing and Urban Development Pledges Innovation in Tackling Housing Challenges
Desi Elmoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu formally swore in Dr. Muttaka Rabe Dalma as Nigeria’s new Minister of Housing and Urban Development during a ceremony on Friday. Dr. Dalma, from Katsina State, has stepped into this crucial role following Senate approval, replacing Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who recently resigned. In his remarks at the State House, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of Dalma’s contributions during a challenging phase of national development.
President Tinubu commended Dr. Dalma for his diverse and impressive background, underscoring the need for adept leaders in pivotal positions. He expressed confidence in Dalma’s capacity to deliver value in his new role and urged him to be prepared for any responsibilities that may arise. Upon taking office, Dalma vowed to utilize strategic thinking and innovative solutions to confront Nigeria’s significant housing shortage head-on.
Describing his new position as a test of accountability, Dr. Dalma acknowledged that his performance would be assessed by various stakeholders, including himself, the public, and ultimately divine judgment. “I understand the weight of this responsibility and recognize that I cannot please everyone,” he stated, while committing to diligent service. “I will strive to ensure that I meet my standards and the expectations of those around me,” he added, promising palpable improvements in the housing sector soon.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Dr. Dalma indicated that Nigeria faces a staggering need for 20 million housing units to meet current demands, impacting over 100 million individuals. He noted, “This is an immense challenge. Even with ambitious plans to construct 15 million homes in the next decade, the task will require significant financial investment and considerable effort.” His assessment makes it clear that immediate action is necessary to bridge this gap.
Despite the daunting figures, Dr. Dalma expressed optimism rooted in a reform-oriented mindset. “We are strategic and proactive,” he noted. “We plan to integrate innovation and creativity into our approach to effectively house the many individuals currently without shelter.” His proactive engagement aims to recalibrate the existing housing framework and drive meaningful changes to current practices.
The minister acknowledged the issue of inadequate funding, a critical hurdle for the sector. Although he admitted to not yet fully grasping the myriad challenges within the ministry, he affirmed his commitment to diagnosing issues and identifying solutions grounded in a thorough understanding of the situation. “My priority will be to comprehend the challenges before us; only then can we devise appropriate solutions,” he stated resolutely.
Dr. Dalma also raised concerns regarding systemic inefficiencies in government-led housing initiatives, contrasting them with successes in the private real estate sector. “In Abuja, some of the wealthiest individuals are property developers, yet government-owned homes frequently remain vacant,” he pointed out. He questioned why privately developed properties thrive while publicly funded ones languish, suggesting that deeper issues within the social housing framework must be addressed. “The stark reality is that launching a real estate business can lead to immediate prosperity,” he remarked, adding that this trend highlights underlying problems affecting government efforts in housing provision.
Dr. Muttaka Rabe Dalma, an accomplished academic and manager, holds a PhD in Business Administration from the University of Liverpool and another in Industrial Engineering from Atlantic International University. He also earned a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Bayero University, Kano, and a Master’s in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Benin. Previously, he served as the Executive Director of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund from 2008 to 2012 and was the Director of the Umaru Musa Yardua Center for Human Development in Katsina prior to his latest appointment.
