In a goodwill message released from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Balogun described the Minister as a blessing to the nation, noting that his bold reforms have transformed the ministry from a public holiday–declaring hub into a powerhouse of innovation and impactful governance.
He emphasized that Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s strides in immigration, correctional reforms, paramilitary welfare, security innovation, and technological modernization are clear testaments to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The message reads:
MINISTRY OF INTERIOR: FROM A PUBLIC HOLIDAY DECLARING HUB TO A POWERHOUSE OF REFORM AND INNOVATION.
DR. OLUBUNMI TUNJI-OJO's TRANSFORMATIONAL AGENDA IN TWO YEARS.
In just two years, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-ojo the Honourable Minister for Interior has redefined what it means to lead the Ministry of Interior, he has delivered bold reforms that directly impacts millions of Nigerians. A Ministry widely assumed it's a hub where Public Holidays are announced is finally living up to its potential, delivering hope and opportunity to Nigerians at home and abroad.
His achievements and his efforts at repositioning the Ministry clearly align with the Renewal Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Some of these achievements are clearly highlighted as follows:
1. IMMIGRATION AND PASSPORT EFFICIENCY:
Upon assumption of office in August 2023, he tackled the long standing passport crisis head-on by clearing a backlog of over 204,000 passport applications within just three weeks of taking office. A dramatic and historic turnaround for the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). He also implemented a consistent two-week Passport processing timeline from February 2024 that continues to this day .
He brought conveniences in passport delivery by introducing the home, office delivery services, personal photo uploads, contactless biometric options, and e-platforms for visa processing .
The Minister deployed e-Gates at major international airports (Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Kano) to enhance border security and streamline entry procedures .
The Ministry established a Data Centre and Command & Control Centre at NIS headquarters, including the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex (BATTIC), with 1.4 PB capacity and solar infrastructure to heighten operational capacity at the borders.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo launched systems including APIS, Document Verification Officers, and contactless passport renewal for Nigerians in Europe .
2. CORRECTIONAL AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM:
The Minister in his initiative raised ₦585 million via corporate social responsibility (CSR) means to pay fines and secure the release of 4,068 inmates, easing overcrowding and improving humane treatment in the correctional facilities.
The Minister Initiated the transformation of correctional facilities like Kuje Medium Custodial Centre into rehabilitative and modernized institutions .
3. PARAMILITARY PERSONNEL IMPROVEMENT:
The Ministry promoted over 32,361 personnel across its security agencies (NIS, NCoS, NSCDC, FFS) and proposed a Paramilitary Pension Board to align welfare with fairness and benefit morale.
Enhanced NSCDC’s capabilities with the Mining Marshal to combat illegal mining, surveillance vehicles, and improved uniforms and professionalism.
The Ministry in addition promoted 4,498 and recruited thousands more correctional service personnel, modernizing systems such as the Correctional Information Management System (CIMS) for transparent case handling .
Overhauling of the Federal Fire Service structures with 1,680 promotions, reduced emergency response times to under 15 minutes, deployed rapid-response vehicles and trucks, and set up a National Fire Academy in Sheda .
4. SECURITY INNOVATION & COMMUNITY SAFETY:
He launched initiatives like Safe Haven, Smart Border, Disaster Response Unit, e-Visa, and MIDAS for enhanced security, efficient immigration, and data-driven decision-making .
The Minister rolled out Safe Schools Initiative, Agro Rangers, and Mining Marshals, aimed at school safety, rural protection, and mining site security .
5. TECHNOLOGY, DATA, AND GOVERNANCE ANALYTICS:
He integrated NIMC with the Ministry to streamline NIN applications, deployed 800+ mobile enrollment devices, launched Web and Mobile NIN modification apps, and boosted data integrity through multi-agency collaboration .
Established the CIMAS platform for centralized oversight across Interior Ministry agencies, improving coordination and intelligence exchange .
6. REVENUE GENERATION & INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING:
Generated ₦6 billion in revenue in 2024, a 50% increase, from expatriate quota applications (₦3.2B), marriage registrations (₦2.4B), citizenship applications (₦392M).
Prosecuted 450 non-compliant private security firms, improved NSCDC enforcement, and integrated policy reforms to boost efficiency and ethics in operations.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s reforms map closely onto President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope initiative, emphasizing:
1. Efficiency in Public Service
2. Security & Safety
3. Institutional Renewal
4. Justice & Rehabilitation
5. Technological Modernization
6. Fiscal Responsibility
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-ojo was awarded Public Service Person of the Year 2023 by Leadership Newspaper for bold reforms like eliminating the passport backlog .
He is being recognized by activists and stakeholders as a “beacon of hope,” delivering tangible improvements across institutional inefficiencies and human-centered governance .
Boss, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo as you mark your second year in office, I wish you more strength, wisdom to deliver on your good plans for the good people of this Nation. You're indeed a blessing.
Ayo-Tomi Balogun, CNA
Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
22nd August, 2025
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