Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo: Leadership in Action at the Heart of Interior Reforms
In a landscape often marred by bureaucratic inertia, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, has emerged as a catalyst for transformative change. His tenure reflects intentional governance anchored in transparency, innovation, and results-driven leadership.
Since assuming office, Tunji-Ojo has spearheaded comprehensive reforms across the Ministry of Interior. These reforms target operational efficiency and service delivery. Nigerians at home and abroad have witnessed significant improvements, especially in passport and visa processing.
A flagship reform is the automation of the passport application process. Effective from January 8, 2024, this system allows Nigerians to complete passport applications and renewals online. It eliminates the burden of unnecessary travel, especially to Abuja, for minor data modifications like name changes due to marriage. This move not only conserves personal resources but also enhances trust in public institutions.
Additionally, the Ministry introduced a contactless biometric enrollment system for visa services. Nigerians and foreigners can now apply for visas online and receive approval within 24 to 48 hours. Approved e-visas are sent directly via email, streamlining international travel procedures. These developments support national tourism, simplify business processes, and reinforce diplomatic goodwill.
Financially, the Ministry performed impressively. It generated over ₦6 billion in 2024 from services such as expatriate quotas, marriage registrations, and citizenship documentation. Notably, it achieved this without capital allocation from the federal budget. Instead, the Ministry maximized existing contract reviews—some dating back to 1999—to complete projects without incurring extra costs.
Workforce development has also taken priority. In 2024 alone, the Ministry promoted 20,851 personnel and recruited 10,783 new officers across key agencies, including the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Federal Fire Service (FFS). These strategic decisions strengthened internal capacity and addressed long-standing gaps.
Leadership newspaper recognized his performance by awarding him the “Public Service Person of the Year 2023.” Tunji-Ojo’s approach underscores that systemic challenges yield to visionary leadership and decisive execution.
As Nigeria navigates public sector reforms, the Ministry of Interior under Tunji-Ojo remains a case study in forward-thinking governance.
Read More: Diaspora Lens
