Senate Confirms Rabe-Darma as Housing Minister-Designate

The Senate on Thursday confirmed the nomination of Muttaqha Rabe-Darma as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

His confirmation followed a voice vote conducted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, with lawmakers overwhelmingly backing the appointment.

The approval came less than 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu transmitted Rabe-Darma’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

While referring to the nomination during plenary on Wednesday, Akpabio directed that the nominee be considered by the Committee of the Whole, noting that security clearance processes should be concluded ahead of a possible confirmation the following day.

“This ministerial nominee is referred to the Committee of the Whole for consideration as soon as practicable,” Akpabio said.

“We can take him tomorrow if security clearance is done.”

Tinubu had forwarded Rabe-Darma’s nomination to fill the vacancy created by the exit of Ahmed Dangiwa as Minister of Housing and Urban Development.

The request was contained in a letter read on the Senate floor by Akpabio, who stated that the nomination was made in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

In the correspondence, the President wrote, “I am pleased to forward to the Senate for confirmation the nomination of Muttaqha Rabe-Darma as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

He added, “While I hope this request will receive the expeditious consideration of the Senate, please accept, Distinguished Senate President and Distinguished Senators, the assurances of my highest regards.”

The development comes amid ongoing reshuffles within the Federal Executive Council following recent resignations.

Rabe-Darma’s nomination was submitted shortly after the reported resignations of Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and Ahmed Dangiwa.

A statement issued on Tuesday by Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, indicated that the changes were conveyed in a memo signed by George Akume.

According to the memo, Taiwo Oyedele has been appointed as the new Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, while Rabe-Darma is to take over the Housing and Urban Development portfolio following his confirmation by the Senate.