In this piece, our man, Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka peeps into the achievements of Dr Olubunmi Tunji – Ojo, since his one year in office as the Minister, Federal Ministry of Interior (FMI). Excerpts.
Since its creation, as a Ministry, the mandate, task and objective of the FMI, among others is to render to Nigerians and foreigner alike, diverse internal security that are highly qualitative, efficient, courteous and transparent. Similarly. The Ministry is responsible for the protection of the constitutional order, for civil protection against disasters and terrorism, for displaced persons, administrative questions, and also to spearhead the building of a harmonious, cohesive and integrated society with shared values through national cohesion and integration programmes.
Perhaps, in this direction, the Minister however, outlined the achievements of the Ministry in his one year as its Minister at a media parley he organised Friday in the Ministry’s secretariat.
Outlining the Ministry’s achievements, so far within the one year in office as Minister, Tunji – Ojo who is also the Chairman, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), informed that among Ministry’s achievements within the said period were: completing long-overdue promotions within the promotion year, a feat he said had not been accomplished in the 38- year history of the board; introducing landmark policies such as a 35% recruitment quota for women across all services under our purview and; promoting inclusivity and ensuring that the Ministry reflects the diversity of Nigeria.
He aso included securing group life insurance and pension benefits for staff; securing direct presidential approval for paramilitary service vacancies, by eliminating the bureaucracy that had stifled progress, which has achieved autonomy for the Board and; securing the right to recruit its own staff which he sees as an essential step toward building more capable workforce.
Added were: fighting vandalism and protecting critical infrastructure, by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), informing that over the past year, they arrested 2,254 vandals and those in oil bunkering, with 550 currently under prosecution and 122 convictions already secured and; destroying 150 illegal refineries, 64 illegal oil dumps by the NSCDC and; reforming the private security sector, which he noted yielded impressive results.
The rest were: licensing 115 companies, and moving to license an additional 178; ensuring that a total of 3,394 private security guards have undergone rigorous training, while the sector generated an impressive revenue of ₦861,620,500 and; launching the Mine Marshal Initiative in partnership with the Ministry of Mines and Steel to combat illegal mining and boost national revenue.”
Still unveiling his achievements so far, he said: “Our personnel have received extensive training to maintain readiness in the face of evolving security challenges. Over the past year, 21,383 senior officers and 2,551 junior ones were promoted, while 818 junior ones were upgraded to senior officer cadre, ensuring a motivated and capable workforce. We have also prioritized the National Plan on Safe School initiative, to provide secure environment.
“Moving to the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS), we have embarked on a series of infrastructural improvements to enhance operational efficiency and inmate welfare. Across various regions, we have completed projects such as the renovation of administrative and kitchen blocks, the construction of official quarters, and the installation of security infrastructure like perimeter fences.
To highlight a few achievements:
In Niger State, we completed the renovation of the administrative block and constructed a new kitchen block at Suleja.
“In Kano State, we reconstructed an observation tower with a mini-armoury, strengthening security measures.
In Lagos State, we built a 96-capacity solid concrete cell block at the Kirikiri Maximum Security facility, improving accommodation for inmates. We have also cemented a partnership with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), aimed at rehabilitating inmates within our Custodial Centres through football, as part of our broader strategy to use the transformative power of sports to foster discipline, teamwork, and personal growth among inmates, providing them with a constructive outlet for their energy, thereby reducing recidivism.
He went on: “Through this innovative approach, we are reinforcing our commitment to rehabilitation, ensuring that our correctional centres truly offer a second chance for those willing to transform their lives. Through partnerships with the private sector, we facilitated the release of over 4,000 inmates, reducing custodial overcrowding by 5%, without incurring any cost to the government. The NIS is the gateway to our nation, and our responsibility to reform and modernise its operations has been paramount. In the last year, we introduced advanced border management technologies, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other surveillance tools and infrastructure, for national security.
“As you are aware, we embarked on a comprehensive overhaul of the passport issuance process, addressing long-standing issues that have frustrated millions of Nigerians. One of our key accomplishments was clearing a massive backlog of 204,332 passport applications, which had left many stranded for a long time. Passports are now delivered directly to the homes of applicants.”
Moving on, he informed that: “The NIS has also implemented contactless technology, by streamlining the passport application process. Today, Nigerians experience a faster, more transparent, and seamless passport issuance process. We have also established a cutting-edge data center at the NIS, with an impressive storage capacity of 1.4 petabytes. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to securely, house and manage a vast array of critical national information, including the biometric data and personal records of the citizens, in order to ensure the safe storage and retrieval of sensitive information and enhance the efficiency of national security operations, identity management, and service delivery across the country.
“We are also installing a total of 41eight e-gates at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, 21 for Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, four each at the international airports in Kano, Enugu, and Port Harcourt. This innovation improves efficiency at entry points and ensures that citizens abroad return home with pride and ease. We also enhanced our partnerships with global agencies to combat transnational crimes such as human trafficking, illegal immigration, and smuggling. These partnerships have bolstered our efforts to safeguard national security while contributing to the global fight against organised crime.”
Furthermore, he said that the integration of Nigerian passports into global standards (ICAO PKD and PKI) have further solidified the NIS as a key player on the international stage, adding that the initiatives enhance both access and security, making Nigerian passports more secure and respected worldwide.
The Minister therefore stated that the Federal Fire Service (FFS), often underestimated as the backbone of the nation’s emergency response system, has also seen tremendous growth and modernisation under the present leadership.
“One of our landmark achievements in this sector has been the remodeling and groundbreaking of the National Fire Academy in Sheda, Abuja. This academy will serve as a national hub for training, research, and development, ensuring that our fire personnel are equipped with cutting-edge skills and knowledge to tackle fire-related emergencies.
“Additionally, we recognised that the existing legal framework guiding fire services in Nigeria was outdated and insufficient to meet current demands. As a result, we have initiated efforts towards passing a comprehensive Fire Act to replace the antiquated 1963 law. This new legislation will modernise fire safety protocols and give the FFS the legal backing it needs to operate effectively in today’s world.
“One of our most important goals was to reduce response times and ensure that the FFS is better prepared to deal with emergencies swiftly and effectively. Over the past year, we have commissioned new operational vehicles, enhanced firefighting equipment, and launched fire prevention initiatives across the country. This has led to a significant reduction in fire response times, saving countless lives and properties in the process.
“Our fire prevention campaigns have been critical in sensitising the public on the importance of safety measures. The FFS has conducted community outreach programs, workshops, and training sessions, ensuring that citizens are equipped with the knowledge to prevent fires before they start. These campaigns have significantly reduced the number of fire incidents nationwide.The FFS has also made strides in capacity building by investing heavily in training and development of its personnel. We have strengthened collaboration with international fire agencies, sending personnel for advanced training programs abroad and introducing modern firefighting techniques into our operations. This ensures that our firefighters are not only well-trained but also equipped to handle emergencies of any scale, from industrial fires to household accidents,” he disclosed.
Stating that they have taken bold steps to strengthen inter-agency collaboration, particularly with local and state fire services, to create a more coordinated approach to emergency response across Nigeria, he said that the partnerships have enhanced operational efficiency, enabling us to respond faster and more effectively to fire outbreaks and other emergencies.
Dr Olubunmi Tunji – Ojo however said: “As I wrap up my presentation and open the floor for any questions, I would like to leave you with a key takeaway: this first year has been about laying a solid foundation for a Ministry of Interior that is more effective, efficient, and responsive to the needs of all Nigerians. I must emphasise that this is just the beginning. We have come this far not because of any one individual, but because of the collective effort of the dedicated men and women within this Ministry, the support of Mr. President, and our unwavering commitment to serve Nigeria.
“We are committed to continuing these reforms and expanding our reach to ensure that every Nigerian, both home and abroad, benefits from a secure, efficient, and modernised Ministry of Interior. As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our mission to deliver on the promises of the Renewed Hope Agenda. The transformation we have started will continue to unfold, and I have no doubt that the best is yet to come.
The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, in an opening remak, reflected on the ministry’s journey, and said:
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out. This quote by Robert Collier perfectly frames our conversation today, as we take a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the remarkable journey we have undertaken over the past year.”
Welcoming all at the media parley, organised by the Press and Public Relations Department of the Ministry to share with the media, the milestones they have reached, the challenges they have faced, and the successes that stand as a testament to the leadership and vision of the Honourable Minister, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, she noted thus: “History, as we know, is the lens through which we view the future, across time.”
