Nigeria’s newly appointed Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, has pledged to tackle the country’s housing deficit through innovation, policy reforms, and strategic planning.

Darma made this known shortly after being sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja.

20 Million Housing Gap

Speaking after his inauguration, Darma revealed that Nigeria is currently facing an estimated housing shortfall of about 20 million units, describing it as a critical national challenge that requires sustainable and long-term solutions.

He stressed that addressing the deficit would depend on proper planning, improved financing frameworks, and stronger institutional coordination.

Focus on Reforms and Affordable Housing

The minister said his administration would review existing housing delivery models to improve efficiency and expand access to affordable homes for Nigerians across various income levels.

According to him, the ministry will prioritise practical, results-driven policies aimed at accelerating housing development nationwide.

Public-Private Collaboration Key

Darma also emphasised the importance of collaboration, stating that he would work closely with stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to unlock investments and drive reforms in the housing sector.

His approach is expected to focus on attracting funding, improving project execution, and creating sustainable housing solutions.

Rising Pressure on Housing Sector

His appointment comes at a time when increasing urbanisation, rapid population growth, and rising construction costs continue to put pressure on housing availability across Nigeria.

Analysts say addressing the deficit will require a mix of policy innovation, private sector participation, and improved infrastructure planning.

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Taiwo Oyedele has officially assumed office as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, following a formal handover by his predecessor, Wale Edun.

The transition, which took place on Thursday evening, was confirmed in a statement issued by the Ministry’s Head of Information and Public Relations, Efe Ovuakporie. The handover was completed within the timeline set by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In his inaugural address, Oyedele pledged to build on existing economic reforms while focusing on delivering measurable outcomes across critical sectors of the economy. He emphasised the importance of fiscal discipline, transparency, and improved service delivery as key priorities of his administration.

The new minister also expressed readiness to collaborate closely with the ministry’s management and staff to strengthen policy implementation and drive economic stability.

Oyedele commended Edun for his role in advancing Nigeria’s reform agenda, acknowledging his contributions to fiscal restructuring and macroeconomic coordination. He also thanked President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him.

Senior officials in the ministry, including Permanent Secretary Raymond Omachi and Permanent Secretary (Special Duties) Mohammed Danjuma, assured the minister of full institutional support in executing government policies.

During Edun’s tenure, the ministry implemented several fiscal reforms aimed at boosting revenue generation, improving inter-agency coordination, and supporting broader economic transformation. However, the period was also marked by challenges, including funding constraints affecting ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as unresolved financial obligations to pensioners and contractors.

The leadership transition comes at a critical time as the federal government seeks to stabilise the economy amid inflationary pressures, debt servicing concerns, and ongoing structural reforms.

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The outgoing Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he prepares to step down from office on Thursday.

In a statement marking the end of his tenure, Edun described his service in the administration as a privilege, noting that he played a significant role in shaping and implementing key economic reforms since May 2023.

He explained that his journey in the administration began as head of the Presidential Transition Committee, followed by his appointment as Special Adviser on Monetary Policy before becoming Finance Minister.

According to him, the administration assumed office at a time of severe economic challenges but worked collectively across government to stabilise the economy and lay the foundation for long-term growth.

“We have worked collectively across government to advance critical reforms that stabilised the macroeconomic environment, strengthened fiscal sustainability, and laid the foundation for inclusive and long-term growth,” Edun stated.

He noted that the impact of the reforms is beginning to show, with economic growth rising from about 2 per cent to over 4 per cent, while inflation has declined significantly from earlier highs.

Edun attributed the improvements to coordinated policy measures and renewed investor confidence, adding that progress was driven by collaboration among members of the Federal Executive Council, state governments, and private sector partners.

He also acknowledged the support of both local and international stakeholders, describing economic reform as a continuous process that requires sustained effort.

“I am proud of what we achieved alongside colleagues in government and our partners, whose work continues to support the nation’s economic transformation,” he said.

While expressing confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction, Edun wished his successor success in continuing efforts to improve the country’s economic outlook.

He added that he remains committed to contributing to national development beyond his time in office.

His exit follows recent changes in the Federal Executive Council, as the administration continues to reposition key economic ministries.

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Nigeria must put an end to the use of police officers as escorts for Very Important Personalities (VIPs), says Hadiza Bala-Usman, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy and Coordination and Head of the Central Delivery Coordination Unit. She warned that diverting officers trained for crime fighting and counter-terrorism into personal bodyguard duties is weakening national security and leaving citizens exposed.

Speaking at the Ministry of Interior’s performance retreat in Abuja, Bala-Usman expressed concern over VIP convoys guarded by dozens of policemen while communities in genuine need of protection remain vulnerable. She described the practice as unacceptable and insisted that elite security operatives must be reassigned to their core responsibilities.

She revealed that the government is working to amend the Private Guard Companies Act to allow licensed private firms to take over VIP protection. According to her, those who demand heavily armed escorts should pay for such services rather than rely on public resources. “VIP protection is not a public entitlement. It must be funded by those who need it,” she stressed.

Bala-Usman further disclosed that she had personally reported cases where anti-terrorism units were deployed to VIP duties, warning that such misuse undermines the fight against insecurity. She also suggested that retired senior police officers could be integrated into private security outfits, strengthening the sector while reducing pressure on serving personnel.

She concluded that freeing the police from VIP escort duties would enhance public safety, improve crime prevention, and make Nigeria’s security system fairer for all citizens. The Ministry of Interior has been tasked with fast-tracking the review of the legislation before the end of the third quarter of 2025.

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