Darma vows rapid housing reforms, says Nigerians ‘will see changes in no time’

Newly sworn-in Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Darma, has pledged swift reforms to tackle the country’s housing deficit, declaring that Nigerians would begin to see visible changes “in no time.”

Speaking shortly after taking the oath of office at the State House on Friday, Darma described his appointment as a major responsibility and promised to deliver results through innovation, strategic planning, and accountability.

“I feel that I have been given a responsibility,” he said. “I am going to deliver to the best of my ability. You will see changes in no time.”

Darma acknowledged the scale of Nigeria’s housing crisis, noting that even a target of building 15 million homes over the next decade would require enormous resources and careful planning.

“That is a tremendous challenge,” he said. “Even if you say you’re going to build 15 million houses in the next 10 years, it’s going to be difficult, and it’s going to consume a lot of money.”

Despite the challenge, the minister said his administration would adopt a reform-driven approach focused on creativity and forward thinking.

“We are strategic. We are focused. We are forward-looking,” he stated. “We will bring a lot of innovation and creativity to ensure that we do well, and that so many people who are unhoused will be housed, inshallah.”

On funding constraints, Darma said he would first assess the ministry’s challenges before introducing solutions.

“If I know the challenges, I will definitely find ways to solve them,” he said.