At 41 years and seven months, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s exposure and experience transcend his age. His expansive mien, measured gait and intrinsic dedication to nation and humanity sum up his unalloyed commitment to his fatherland. Decked in a black suit and a contrasting white shirt and red tie, Tunji-Ojo’s bespectacled face beams as he ensures the Nigerian Immigration Service clears 204,000 passport applications within two weeks and helps facilitate the release of 4,068 inmates incarcerated in custodial centres across the country for their inability to pay court-imposed fines. Tunji-Ojo’s ingenuity is an eloquent testimony of transformative achievements in his first 100 days as Nigeria’s interior minister, Femi Salako writes
In a resounding testament to unwavering dedication and a visionary approach, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has completed an extraordinary 100 days at the helm of Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior. His tenure has been marked by a series of groundbreaking achievements that have reshaped the landscape of service delivery, reformed policies, and placed the welfare of Nigerian citizens at the forefront.
At 41 years and seven months, Tunji-Ojo’s exposure and experience transcend his age. His expansive mien, measured gait and intrinsic dedication to nation and humanity sum up his unalloyed commitment to his fatherland. Decked in a black suit and a contrasting white shirt and red tie, Tunji-Ojo’s bespectacled face beams as he ensures the Nigerian Immigration Service clears 204,000 passport applications within two weeks and helps facilitate the release of 4,068 inmates incarcerated in custodial centres across the country for their inability to pay court-imposed fines. Tunji-Ojo’s ingenuity is an eloquent testimony of transformative achievements in his first 100 days as Nigeria’s interior minister.
Swift resolution of passport backlogs: Tunji-Ojo exhibited exceptional efficiency by swiftly resolving a backlog of 204,000 passport applications within two weeks at the Nigerian Immigration Service. This monumental accomplishment underscores his commitment to expeditious service delivery for Nigerian citizens.
Innovative e-platforms for visa processing: Spearheading revolutionary reforms, Hon. Tunji-Ojo introduced user-friendly e-platforms for visa applications, allowing passport photo uploads via the immigration portal. This initiative promises increased accessibility and convenience for Nigerians seeking visas.
Enhanced e-passport facilities abroad: The unveiling of enhanced e-passport facilities in key Nigerian Embassies across Europe is a testament to his commitment to improving service capabilities for Nigerian citizens abroad, particularly in Spain, Greece, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy.
Advocacy for equitable salaries: His advocacy for fair compensation for paramilitary officers and the proposal for a pension board for various security services highlight his dedication to ensuring better welfare and equity within the sector.
Criminal justice reform and rehabilitation: Collaborative efforts led to releasing 4,068 inmates from correctional centres, showcasing his commitment to rehabilitation and social justice through strategic partnerships and financial assistance.
The minister of interior and stakeholders facilitated the release of 4,068 inmates incarcerated in custodial centres for their inability to pay off fines handed to them as punitive measures by the courts across the country. While flagging off the payment recently at Kuje Maximum Security Correctional Centre Abuja, the minister said the effort was to decongest the country’s custodian facilities and make the inmates humane for proper reformation and rehabilitation of offenders.
“As of November 17, 2023, there were about 80,804 inmates nationwide, with installed capacity of less than 50,000, which shows that our custodian facilities are overcrowded, necessitating this initiative we are flagging up today, which is targeted towards addressing overcrowding bedevilling our custodian centres and reformatory function,” Tunji-Ojo explained.
The interior minister assured that the released inmates would receive stipends to return to their communities, train for requisite skills at impacting their lives functionally, and equip them with knowledge for their self-reliance, with the training covering their civil duties and responsibilities as citizens and also as strategy refraining them from offending the law.
The minister, therefore, called on the communities to receive the freed inmates with open arms, devoid of stigmatising them. He admonished the released inmates to see the opportunity as a second chance to make things right. He urged them to join hands with President Bola Tinubu to make Nigeria great.
Moreover, Tunji-Ojo’s tenure has witnessed an unprecedented promotion of 32,361 personnel across the Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Fire Service, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
This move underscores the commitment of the #RenewedHope government of the president in prioritising the welfare of officers, a feat unprecedented in the history of paramilitary service in Nigeria.
Tunji-Ojo’s 100 days as minister of interior serve as a testament to his innovative vision, unwavering commitment to service, and tireless pursuit of reform for the betterment of Nigerian citizens. His leadership continues to pave the way for transformative change, setting new standards of excellence and dedication in public service.
Born May 1, 1982, Tunji-Ojo is an accomplished business management and consulting executive with over 17 years of experience across public and private sectors. His expertise spans project management, strategic planning, and policy-making, covering diverse sectors such as oil and gas, IT, agriculture, finance, and manufacturing.
He holds degrees in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Digital Communication and Networking from esteemed institutions. He also holds 18 professional qualifications, including being among the first Certified Ethical Hackers from the UK’s Royal Britannia Training Academy. He was a House of Representatives, Ninth Assembly member, representing Akoko North-East/North-West federal constituency. He served briefly in the 10th assembly following his second term reelection before being nominated as a minister by President Bola Tinubu.
