RismadarVoice Reporters, April 23, 2026
The Senate on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Dr Muttaqha Rabe Darma as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, following a formal request by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The confirmation came after the consideration of a letter transmitted to the upper chamber on Wednesday, seeking legislative approval for Dr Darma’s nomination.
During plenary presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the nominee was subjected to rigorous screening, with lawmakers probing his plans to address Nigeria’s housing deficit, particularly if assigned the Housing portfolio.
Dr Darma outlined strategic approaches aimed at improving access to affordable housing and strengthening existing frameworks in the sector, earning the confidence of the lawmakers.
Following deliberations, the Senate approved his nomination.
In a related development, the Senate also confirmed Obehi Aire Okafor as Co-Chairman of the Governing Council of the Unclaimed Funds Trust Fund. The confirmation was based on the report presented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Musa Mohammed Sani (Niger East).
Meanwhile, the upper chamber passed the National Assembly Service Pension Board (Establishment Act) Amendment Bill, 2026. The bill is designed to reform the contributory pension scheme and reconstitute the board for improved efficiency.
