Abuja, NIGERIA — In compliance with the federal transition directive, the outgoing Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, formally handed over the leadership of the ministry to the Minister of State, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, on Thursday.
The ceremony, held at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, marks the conclusion of Dangiwa’s tenure following the cabinet reshuffle announced earlier this week.
The handover met the Thursday deadline set by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
Okay News reports that Dangiwa, who resigned on Tuesday citing a desire to focus on private interests and national development from outside the cabinet, described his time in office as a “privilege and a call to national service.” He expressed confidence that the ministry would continue to accelerate the delivery of the Renewed Hope Housing Programme under the new leadership.
Receiving the handover documents, Minister Yusuf Abdullahi Ata praised Dangiwa’s “impactful stewardship” and his role in repositioning the housing sector as a driver of economic growth. “Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa brought experience and expertise to the task of delivering nationwide housing reforms,” Ata stated during the ceremony. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to sustaining the momentum in housing finance and land titling reforms initiated during the past three years.
Ata will oversee the ministry’s affairs pending the Senate confirmation of the substantive minister-designate, Mr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma (PhD). The outgoing Katsina-born architect and former FMBN Managing Director pledged his continued support for the administration’s infrastructure goals, emphasizing that the “strong foundation” laid during his tenure would serve as a launchpad for future urban renewal projects across Nigeria.
