… A Testament of Full Commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
Jeffrey Adaralegbe, Publisher, Boardroom News
Nigeria is said to be on the right path of sustainable development from all sectors of the Economy, ranging from Human Capital Development, to Infrastructure, and now National Security amongst others. The Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo is another gladiator solidly by the side of President Tinubu leading Nigerians to the Promise Land.
Interior Minister, Bunmi Ojo at the media parley organised to commemorate his first year in office held on 27th September, 2024 in Abuja renders stewardship on the renewed hope Internal Security Development Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR says the Interior Ministry has taken a different direction with the support of Mr. President.
The Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Bunmi Ojo with great pride of an achiever and his nature of deep humility highlighted area of achievements in one year.
“In just one year, we have made significant strides. From day one, my focus was to break through the bottlenecks and inefficiencies that have plagued our institutions for decades. One of our first major achievements was completing long-overdue promotions within the promotion year, a feat that had not been accomplished in the 38-year history of the Board. This was more than just a process; it was about restoring faith, boosting morale, and ensuring that our officers feel valued and motivated to serve”.
He introduced groundbreaking policies such as a 35% recruitment quota for women across all services under his purview, promoting inclusivity and ensuring that the Ministry reflects the diversity of our nation. More than 2,254 vandals and oil bunkerers had been arrested, with 550 currently under prosecution and 122 convictions already secured. NSCDC disrupted organised crime networks by destroying 150 illegal refineries and 64 illegal oil dumps these are done in The fight against vandalism and the protection of critical infrastructure.
In the area of Training, Minister said 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 officers were promoted, while 818 junior officers were upgraded to senior officer cadre, ensuring a motivated and capable workforce.
According to him, the reform of the private security sector, 115 licensed companies are now legally operating, and we are in the process of licensing an additional 178 companies. Moreover, a total of 3,394 private security guards have undergone rigorous training, while the sector generated an impressive revenue of ₦861,620,500; In alignment with the ministry’s economic diversification goals, He launched the Mine Marshal initiative in partnership with the Ministry of Mines to combat illegal mining and boost national revenue
“Moving to the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), 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”, he said.
In this direction achievements recorded are; In Niger State, completion of renovation of the administrative block and constructed a new kitchen block at Suleja, Kano State, reconstruction of an observation tower with a mini-armoury, strengthening security measures and In Lagos State, a 96-capacity is built solid concrete cell block at the Kirikiri Maximum Security facility, improving accommodation for inmates.
The Ministry 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.
Additionally, 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 Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) the gateway nation, Introduction of advanced border management technologies, including GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and other surveillance tools and infrastructure, to enhance national security. This technology allows for better monitoring and control of Nigeria’s extensive borders, ensuring that immigration services are prepared to face modern security challenges.
One key accomplishment here was clearing a massive backlog of 204,332 passport applications
a backlog that had left many citizens stranded for months, if not years.
“Today, I can proudly say that we have not only addressed this challenge but we have introduced home delivery services for passports. This innovation ensures that Nigerians no longer have to endure the stress of traveling long distances or waiting in long queues. Passports are now delivered directly to the homes of applicants, a service that has brought immense relief to thousands; the NIS has also implemented contactless technology, streamlining the passport application process and improving overall efficiency. The days of bottlenecks and endless paperwork are behind us. Today, Nigerians experience a faster, more transparent, and seamless passport issuance process,” Minister said.
I the same vein, the NS under the Ministry has brought 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 Nigerian 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. Also installing a total of 41 e-gates at our airports (eight at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, 21 slated for the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, and four each at the international airports in Kano, Enugu, and Port Harcourt) offering diasporan Nigerians and returning citizens an automated, hassle-free screening process. This innovation not only improves efficiency at entry points but also ensures that our citizens abroad return home with pride and ease.
Furthermore, 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. These initiatives enhance both access and security, making Nigerian passports more secure and respected worldwide.
The remodeling and groundbreaking of the National Fire Academy in Sheda, Abuja is one achievement here, according to his speech, 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. Initiating 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.
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.
On her part, The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani has commended the leadership stance and prowess of the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo says “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” This quote by Robert Collier for her perfectly frames the conversation, as we take a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the remarkable journey we have undertaken over the past year.
“History, as we know, is the lens through which we view the future. Across time, from the dawn of great empires to the modern day, we have seen that transformative progress is achieved by bold, visionary leadership—leadership that understands the necessity of change and the courage required to steer it. Whether we speak of the reforms of Emperor Augustus that stabilised the Roman Empire, the industrial revolution driven by visionary minds, or more contemporary examples of leaders who redefined their nations, one lesson remains constant: true progress is built on foundations of integrity, dedication, and reform.
Finally, the Permanent Secretary said that in the same spirit of transformative leadership, the Ministry of Interior, under the stewardship of Honorable Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has embarked on a journey of change and progress.
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