The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Tunji-Ojo

  • Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo denies rift with Aiyedatiwa

    Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo denies rift with Aiyedatiwa

    Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has dismissed claims of a dispute between him and Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, insisting there is “no fight” between them.

    His clarification followed remarks by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the Ondo Mandate Elders Forum, who had pledged to intervene in what they described as a “perceived rift,” urging both leaders to work together in the interest of the state.

    The APC elders stressed the importance of unity ahead of the 2027 elections, warning against prolonged political tension in Ondo.

    Speaking on Thursday in Ikare-Akoko, Akoko North East Local Government Area, during a medical outreach organised by the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT), Tunji-Ojo dismissed the reported discord, describing it as “baseless and mere speculation.”

    Represented at the event by Hon. Bode Obanla, one his loyalists, the interior minister, explained that his major focus remained on supporting initiatives that promote the achievements of President Bola Tinubu, adding that on his mandate, he stands

    “There is no fight between me and the governor. What matters is that we work together to project the achievements of Asiwaju (Tinubu). 

    “Politics is local, and my duty is to also support any genuine group committed to promoting the good work of President Tinubu,” Mr Tunji-Ojo said. 

    He explained that the GMT was not an Ondo state-based organisation but a nationwide movement with a track record of innovative programmes. 

    The minister also lauded the group’s grassroots initiatives, including medical outreach projects, and pledged continued support.

    Read Also: Shettima, Tunji-Ojo, Govs, hail DG ICRC, Ewalefoh at 50

    “At this point, any group mobilising for Asiwaju is welcome. GMT has shown commendable initiatives, and I will keep supporting efforts that take the message of the president to the grassroots,” Mr Tunji-Ojo added. 

    Earlier, GMT Director General, Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, said the free medical outreach was targeting about 1,000 beneficiaries per senatorial district and would extend to constituencies to deepen its reach.

    Yusuf-Ogunleye described the initiative as a way of complementing Tinubu’s policies. 

    He appreciated the supports extended so far to the group by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and assured him of more robust initiatives to market President Tinubu. 

    “We know that health is wealth and for us at GMT, we will continue to partner with government, and we will continue to do it,” he said. 

    The GMT woman leader, Mrs. Olamide Falana reaffirmed the group’s commitment to showcasing the president’s achievements. 

  • Tinubu, Tunji-Ojo get kudos for reforms, others

    Tinubu, Tunji-Ojo get kudos for reforms, others

    The BTO Renewed Hope Media Team has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for  “bold, transformative reforms that are repositioning Nigeria for sustainable growth and development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    In a statement, the team noted that since assuming office, President Tinubu had demonstrated “exceptional courage and visionary leadership” through policies that were reshaping the nation’s economic, infrastructural and institutional landscape.

    It highlighted key reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange windows, the administration’s repayment of the $3.4 billion COVID-19 IMF loan and the N100 billion Sovereign Sukuk Loan, describing the steps as evidence of responsible economic management.

    The Media Team also praised the Ministry of Interior under the leadership of  Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his “transformative contributions” to effective governance.

    READ ALSO; Open letter to the Northeast Development Commission

     It praised the ministry for clearing a backlog of 204,332 passports within just three weeks, while restoring  citizens’ confidence in government service delivery.

    “Dr. Tunji-Ojo has redefined efficiency and innovation in public service,” the statement said. “His leadership has not only eased the burden on Nigerians seeking passports, but has also repositioned the Ministry of Interior as a model of modern governance.”

    The team also lauded  the minister for spearheading an unprecedented transformation of Nigeria’s correctional system.

    “Under his dynamic leadership, correctional centres—once seen merely as punitive spaces for punishment and social exclusion—are being repositioned as hubs of reformation, rehabilitation and empowerment. The recent inauguration of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Special Study Centre at the Abakaliki Correctional Centre, Ebonyi State, marks a significant milestone in these far-reaching reforms, offering inmates the rare opportunity to pursue quality education and rebuild their lives.

    ‘’In line with the minister’s vision, correctional centres are no longer to be viewed as places where society condemns and abandons its offenders, but as platforms for personal transformation and national reintegration,” it said.

  • Justice Adejumo, Tunji-Ojo advocate inter-agency collaboration for enhanced service delivery 

    Justice Adejumo, Tunji-Ojo advocate inter-agency collaboration for enhanced service delivery 

    The Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Babatunde Adejumo (retired) and the Minister for Interior, Olubummi Tunji-Ojo have stressed the need for increased collaboration among government agencies and institutions to ensure enhanced service delivery.

    Both men spoke in Abuja during a visit by Justice Adejumo, a former President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) to Tunji-Ojo’s office.

    According to a statement by NJI’s spokesman, Kolade Umoru the meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration between the NJI and the Interior Ministry on various issues of national importance.

    The statement reads, “The NJI Administrator and the Minister discussed ways to improve the issuance of international passports, ensuring a smooth and efficient process for Nigerians, particularly judicial officers and their supporting staff. 

    “Both heads emphasized the need for capacity building and training on immigration laws, particularly for judicial officers and immigration officials.

    “The NJI and the Ministry of Interior agreed to collaborate on protecting critical national assets, including border security and prevention of smuggling and human trafficking. 

    Read Also: No rift between Aiyedatiwa, Tunji-Ojo, says group

    “The meeting further highlighted the need for reform and modernization of correctional services, ensuring the humane treatment of inmates and promoting rehabilitation.

    “Hon. Justice Babatunde Adejumo, OFR, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the NJI and the Ministry of Interior, stating that it would enhance the administration of justice and promote national security.

    “Hon. (Dr.) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo expressed his commitment to working with the NJI, highlighting the Ministry’s efforts to improve security and protect national assets.

    “The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding to work together on the identified areas of collaboration. 

    “Both heads expressed optimism that the partnership would yield positive outcomes for the nation, promoting justice, security, and development.”

  • Tunji-Ojo, Ezekwesili differ on President’s reforms

    Tunji-Ojo, Ezekwesili differ on President’s reforms

    • Passport personalization policy takes off Spet. 1

    A former minister/ex-World Bank Vice President, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, yesterday disagreed with Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo on the manner in which the Tinubu Administration is carrying out its economic reforms programmes.

    She believes the removal of the petrol subsidy and foreign exchange unification were “good policies” but wrongly executed, leading to inflation.

    Tunji-Ojo, however, said the situation the Administration met required “surgical operation” rather than analgesics.

    They spoke during the opening plenary at the ongoing Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), in Enugu State, with the theme: “Stand out, stand tall!”

    Dr. Ezekwesili, a panellist, noted that the President’s “subsidy is gone” statement at his inauguration was made without “adequate preparation”.

    “Doing it (removing subsidy) the wrong way led to inflation. The reform was not prepared for,” she said.

    According to her, petrol subsidy removal was “a good reform done in the wrong way”.

    The policy, she argued, “threw the economy into the inflationary situation, which punishes the weakest population of the society”.

    “You really have to prepare for reforms. There is a how-to-do reform that was not taken into consideration,” she said.

    The former minister admitted that the “foreign exchange reform was very important” as the system was previously abused through a discretionary scheme that distorted the economy.

    However, she said while the government was trying to realign the wrong policies towards a more productive economy, “the poor are bearing the brunt.”

    She accused the Tinubu Administration of “an unwillingness to listen to what feedback is being given”.

    “For the poor, the worst thing that can happen to them is inflation, because they have no buffer.

    Dr. Ezekwesili urged lawyers to hold leaders accountable and not be bought over by them.

    “Lawyers are critical to safeguarding the rule of law. There must be constant evaluation of the political class, and the legal profession should not allow itself to be corroded by political interests.

    “What is going on is an abandonment of responsibility by the elite, and lawyers being among the most educated are at the heart of it,” she said.

    Tunji-Ojo: why reforms were necessary

    Tunji-Ojo explained that as of the time the Tinubu Administration came on board, there was no provision for subsidy in the national budget.

    He said President Tinubu would have violated the law had he gone ahead to retain the petrol subsidy that was not previously appropriated for.

    The Interior Minister, who said he was a member of the House of Representatives then, insisted that he was aware that there was no budget for petrol subsidy when President Tinubu took over.

    “Paying for subsidy would have been illegal because it was not budgeted for.

    “We have accumulated wrong choices made over the years that are being corrected.

    “So, we need to take out emotion and look at the facts of where we were coming from and where we are now,” he said

    Tunji-Ojo said spending $25billion annually on subsidies was unsustainable.

    Read Also: Airlines airlifting passengers without entry visas to be sanctioned – Tunji-Ojo

    “We were busy spending money that we did not have…When a man has a tumour, it is not Panadol that is prescribed. Surgery may be the solution.

    “The economy is not stupid, but our choices over the years have been stupid,” he said in reference to the session sub-theme: “It is the economy, stupid!”.

    According to him, money saved from subsidy removal is being reinvested in infrastructure to enhance production.

    The minister drew applause from lawyers when he reeled out his ministry’s achievements, especially on Passport issuance and related reforms.

    He announced that an ongoing passport personalisation policy will take effect on September 1.

    He urged the NBA to push for the review of the Fire Service Act of 1953. 

    Another member of the panel, Gabriel Okeowo of BudgIt, was of the view that subsidy removal was not backed by any cost-cutting measures.

    He said it would have been great had the President announced that new vehicles would not be bought for government officials, that fewer ministers would be appointed, and that the cost of governance would be significantly reduced.

    Instead, he said the Presidency and the National Assembly have continued to allocate humongous sums to themselves while asking citizens to endure.

    “There is no reduction in the cost of governance, and the political elite are not committed to what they say,” Okeowo said.

    Pioneer Chairman of the NBA Section on Business Law, George Etomi, stressed that the foundation of democracy is the rule of law.

    “Our judiciary was more independent under the military than under democracy,” he regretted. “We must protect the judiciary.”

    However, there was a standing ovation for Tunji-Ojo, who was widely acknowledged as a shining light of the Administration.

  • Two years of Renewed Hope in Interior Ministry

    Two years of Renewed Hope in Interior Ministry

    By Femi Salako

    There are many ways to look at visionary leadership, the capacity to translate vision into reality, as the American leadership expert Warren Bennis is justly famous for saying. Visionary leadership involves the ability to innovate and to create; which is why, according to Leroy Eimes, a leader is one who sees more than others see, who sees farther than others see, and who sees before others see; that is, one who knows, in the words of Alan Kay, that the best way to predict the future is to create it. Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts, it is about one life influencing another, says John C. Maxwell, and great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves. (Eleanor Roosevelt). If vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others (Jonathan Swift) and leadership is the art of giving people a platform for spreading ideas that work (Seth Godin), then visionary leadership means creating a platform for revolutionary ideas that shape and change the course of human existence. As President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope leadership clocks two years in office, it is apposite to consider how far the country has come in terms of strengthening its internal security organs, and how this fits into a broad strategy.

    To be sure, Nigeria still grapples with internal challenges—every country does—but a close analysis of the situation so far will reveal precisely why there is cause for cheer. Precisely two years ago when President Tinubu appointed Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo as Minister of Interior, he was looking at security as the bedrock of national development. His focus is enhancing the capabilities of our security forces, promoting peace and stability, and ensuring that every Nigerian feels safe and protected, no matter where they reside. Recognizing the limitations of brick and mortar measures, the ministry deployed digitization looking at the capacity of advanced technology to detect and prevent illegal activities such as smuggling and human trafficking, streamline border crossing processes, reducing wait times and improving the overall travel experience.It aimed to reduce errors and inconsistencies in documentation and identification, making it easier to verify identities and track individuals; provide valuable insights and data analytics to inform policy decisions and improve border management, and reduce opportunities for corruption and bribery by minimizing human interaction and increasing transparency.

    In the last two years, digital systems have enabled the immigration authorities to better manage and monitor the flow of people across borders. They have also facilitated legitimate trade and commerce by reducing delay and increasing the efficiency of customs procedures. They have led to improved compliance with regulations and laws and created  a more efficient, secure, and effective border management system.

    It is significant that in not more than a year, landmark achievements such as the  clearance of a backlog of 204,332 passports within a record-breaking three-week period, restoring confidence in the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), revolutionized passport processing within a two-week timeline for applications and introducing home and office delivery of passports, streamlined application process, and championing the rights of Nigerian applicants and ensuring that they receive just treatment abroad, were made. Regarding the welfare of paramilitary officers, the administration’s focus on equitable compensation and the unfolding of plans for a functional pension board to boost morale and productivity, and the alignment of paramilitary salaries with those of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to ensure fairness and equity attracted plaudits. But that was not all: there was, crucially, a focus on the criminal justice reform. This move saw to the decongestion of correctional facilities, clearance of fines and compensations worth N585 million for 4,068 inmates, and the transformation of  correctional homes into centers of rehabilitation, fostering hope and redemption for inmates.

    Today, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, security infrastructure has been modernized. Among other landmark initiatives, the ministry created a state-of-the-art Data Centre and Command and Control Centre supporting new visa and passport application policies and border management; and E-Gates at airports that enhance security and efficiency. It also saw to the rehabilitation of correctional centers, with the Interior Minister earning several awards, including the Public Service Person of the Year 2023 (Leadership newspaper) for the bold and exceptional reforms. Via the Ministry of Interior, President Tinubu has demonstrated transformative leadership, fortifying Nigeria’s security. Among other extremely innovative measures, there is  Safe Haven, a means of enhancing national security and community safety through partnerships with law enforcement and community leaders; Smart Border, which relates to modernized border management with advanced technologies to enhance security and facilitate trade and travel; Disaster Response Unit, which coordinates emergency responses and preparedness for disasters, and E-Visa, which simplifies the visa application process to promote tourism and international collaboration. There is also Migration Information Data Analysis System (MIDAS), a system for enhancing migration data management to inform policy decisions.

    With a clinical focus on reforms and modernization, the Tinubu administration has emplaced the Immigration Service Reform Committee with a focus on modernizing the Nigerian Immigration Service to enhance efficiency, reduce corruption, and improve service delivery. It unfolded the Digital Case Management System, streamlining case handling in the justice system to enhance transparency and reduce delays. With specific reference to correctional services, reform has been built around rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society. A case study is the Kuje Medium Custodial Centre, where facilities have been modernized to create a more humane and effective correctional environment.

    Take a look at the Centralized Interior Management and Administration System (CIMAS), a centralized platform that enhances oversight and decision-making across Ministry of Interior agencies. CIMAS facilitates secure inter-agency collaboration and intelligence exchange among security agencies, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality. Nigerian travelers are now familiar with initiatives like Electronic Visa (e-Visa), Landing and Exit Cards (LEC), Advance Passenger Information (API), Migrant Information Management System (MIMS), Citizen and Business (C&B), Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP),  Temporary Work Permit (TWP), Guard Management System (GMS) and Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens.

    Read Also: Tinubu bringing stability, hope to Nigeria- Okowa

    Notable achievements include increasing patrols with over 30 patrol vehicles, launching contactless biometrics, enhancing security and efficiency, designing and developing a Tier 4, 8.3 petabyte Data Centre and automating the visa application process. Before Tinubu’s Renewed Hope government, the situation in the paramilitary agencies was characterized by demoralized workforce, career stagnation, spilled over promotion exercise and female gender disenfranchised with low recruitment profile. All of that vanished with the coming on board of the Tinubu administration, which ensured the recruitment of at least 35 percent females in all recruitment processes, approval of 30,000 recruitment, promotion of over 50,000 personnel in two years, approval of peculiar allowance, implementation of modernized immigration project, and approval of paramilitary academy.

    In particular, the  National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has witnessed the deployment of over 800 mobile enrollment devices, integration of NIN with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), revalidation of Front-End Enrolment Partner (FEP) licenses, inter-agency collaboration with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), launching of the Self-Service Mobile App and Web Modification App, and technological upgrades and monitoring and evaluation systems. Go to the Federal Fire Service and you see improved response time and emergency services, and decreased amount of property lost to fire incidents from 1.2 trillion to 1.9 trillion saved in 2024t. Take stock of the situation in the NSCDC and you will marvel. The launching of Mining Marshall to protect mining sites and the Special Female Squad to protect school environments; massive arrest of illegal miners, establishment of a Railway Command to protect railway infrastructure, and the security of all telecommunications installations nationwide is nothing short of revolutionary.

    In particular, there is an evident commitment to accountability and transparency, instilling values of integrity and openness in governance. Another angle involves supporting educational programs, healthcare initiatives, and empowerment projects in communities. The overall Impact is transforming institutions and uplifting Nigerian society through effective leadership and innovation and demonstrating a proactive approach to governance and commitment to protecting lives and property. This is the ennobling state of affairs in the Ministry of Interior where, under President Tinubu’s guidance, Tunji-Ojo keeps recording milestones.

  • Tunji-Ojo decries porous borders, under-funding of NIS

    Tunji-Ojo decries porous borders, under-funding of NIS

    Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo yesterday blamed the infiltration of Nigeria by foreigners, kidnapping for ransom to fund terrorist activities in other countries on the porous nature of the borders.

    The minister noted that Nigeria is in the same situation the United States (U.S.) was before the September 2011 terrorist attack on World Trade Centre (WTC) with so much information and yet, not knowing what to do with the information.

    He spoke just as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, drew a nexus between activities of some foreigners in the country and the growing insecurity, saying the nation must begin to look into such activities.

    The minister and the EFCC chairman spoke at a Constitution review legislative dialogue on national security organised by the House Committee on constitution review.

    Tunji-Ojo said the nation cannot afford to continue funding the police based on annual budgetary provisions and hope to achieve maximum result.

    He queried the continued existence of some government agencies which he said were created during the military, but no longer relevant, drawing heavily from the national budget, while others are being under-funded.

    The minister acknowledged what he called internal security failure with the incursion of the military into the internal security system of the country, saying there was no reason why the military should be part of the nation’s internal security.

    Read Also: Airlines airlifting passengers without entry visas to be sanctioned – Tunji-Ojo

    He said: “When you look at some of these laws, it is like we set up agencies to fail. If you look at the 2025 Budget, how much do you set for border security? The capital budget for the Nigeria Immigration Service is less than N10 billion and you want to protect over 4024 square kilometre of our border space. Are we joking?

    “We are geographically challenged. Let’s call a spade a spade. If you look at countries that shares similarities with Nigeria… see what they do in border governance, you will be shocked.

    “If you look at country like Turkey, if you look at what they spend, because they know they are between Asia and Europe, they know the challenges and Nigeria is so challenged.

    “In Nigeria, we are in two geographical areas; we have part within the Sahel. And you know what happens within the Sahel. On the other side is the Gulf of Guinea. We are in between – the maritime side, from the Sahel, and anything that happens in all these countries,… the end point is Nigeria.”

    On economic crimes and terrorism financing, Tunji-Ojo said: “Most of what we have in Nigeria today is economic crime. Most of these people come to Nigeria to kidnap, raise funds to be able to fund insecurity in neighborimg countries.

    “So, there is a lot we need to do. If we continue to pay lip service, we don’t really look at the issues on ground, we will just be joking. Again, in reviewing our laws, we can’t deal with insecurity and not talk of terrorism financing. We must look at the EFCC Act and strengthen it.”

    “We must look at the issue of our border. Nigeria is at a point now that the U.S. was before the 9/11 attack. After the attack, the US sat down. They looked at emerging threat.

    “When we talk about internal security, the first thing that comes to mind is the military. That is a sign of failure of our internal security agencies. Let’s tell ourselves the truth. For me, the police in terms of adequate funding, I do not see a reason the police should even rely on budgetary allocation.

    “When you are fighting internal security, you must mobilize your citizens. We must sit down and look at our laws. With the attention we are paying to cyber security, we are still living 20 years behind.  You cannot continue to run cyber security architecture on an ad-hoc arrangement. There must be proper security framework.

    “Let’s look holistically at our challenges; let’s anticipate broadly and look ahead; look at emerging security threats and proffer solutions to them.”

    The EFCC chair, who said that the agency recently arrested about 194 foreigners in one single operation at a single building in Lagos for various offences, added that investigation revealed that about 15 of those arrested were ex-convict from their own countries.

    He said that 50 of those arrested have already been convicted by the court and have started serving their sentences, stressing the need to focus on emerging security challenges, while also amending the nation’s laws to remove operational challenges faced by agencies in carrying out their responsibilities and prosecuting offenders.

    He admitted that the porous borders have opened the gate for many unwanted people to come in at will.

    Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs. Kemi Nana Nandap said the issue of border security was not captured in the Constitution and is left without a distinctive framework and has therefore created a problem for the service.

    She said even though it is critical of national security, it is not captured in the annual budget, adding that it is instructive to know that the security of your neighbour determine how secured you are.

    She said further that the country currently have about 1400 illegal entry points into the country, adding that the country must make deliberate efforts in managing the borders

  • We must seek alternative way of funding the police, says Tunji-Ojo

    We must seek alternative way of funding the police, says Tunji-Ojo

    …decries porous borders, underfunding of NIS

    Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said on Monday that the porous nature of the Nigerian border has paved the way for foreigners to infiltrate the country, kidnapping for ransom to fund terrorist activities in other countries.

    Tunji-Ojo said Nigeria was currently in the same situation the United States or America was before the September 2011 terrorist attack, with so much information and yet not knowing what to do with the information.

    He spoke just as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, drew a nexus between the activities of some foreigners in the country and the growing insecurity, saying the nation must begin to look into such activities.

    The Minister who spoke at a Constitution review legislative dialogue on national security organised by the House Committee on constitution review said the nation cannot afford to continue funding the police based on annual budgetary provisions and hope to achieve maximum results.

    Ojo also questions the continued existence of some government agencies, which he said were created during the military, but have no relevance, drawing heavily from the national budget, while others are being underfunded.

    The Minister acknowledged what he called internal security failure with the incursion of the military into the intern security system of the country saying there was no reason why the military should be part of the nation’s internal security.

    He said, “When you look at some of these laws, it is like we set up agencies to fail. If you look at the 2025 budget, how much do you set aside for border security? The capital budget for the Nigeria Immigration Service is less than ₦ 10 billion, and you want to protect over 4024 square km of our border space. Are we joking?

    “We are geographically challenged. Let’s call a spade a spade. If you look at countries that share similarities with Nigeria, see what they do in border governance, you will be shocked. For example, if you look at a country like Turkey,

    “If you look at what they spend, because they know they are between Asia and Europe, they know the challenges, and Nigeria is so challenged.

    “Nigeria, we are two geographical areas, and we are part of the Sahel. And you know what happens within the Sahel. On the other side is the Gulf of Guinea. We are in between, on the maritime side, from the Sahel, and anything that happens in all these countries, the endpoint is Nigeria.”

    While drawing a nexus between economic crimes and terrorism financing, he said, “Most of what we have in Nigeria today is economic crime. Most of these people come to Nigeria to kidnap, raise funds to be able to fund insecurity in neighbouring countries.

    “So there is a lot we need to do. If we continue to pay lip service, we don’t look at the issues on the ground, we will just be joking. Again, in reviewing our laws, we can’t deal with insecurity and not talk of terrorism financing. We must look at the EFCC Act and strengthen it

    “We must look at the issue of our border. Nigeria is at a point now that the US was before the 9/11 attack. After the attack, the US sat down. They looked at the emerging threat.

    “When we talk about internal security, the first thing that comes to mind is the military. That is a sign of the failure of our internal security agencies. Let’s tell ourselves the truth. For me, in terms of adequate funding, I do not see a reason why the police should even rely on budgetary allocation.  

    “When you are fighting internal security, you must mobilise your citizens. We must sit down and look at our laws. With the attention we are paying to cybersecurity, we are still living 20 years behind.  You cannot continue to run a cybersecurity architecture on an ad hoc arrangement. There must be a proper security framework.

    “Let us look holistically at our challenges. Let us anticipate broadly. Look ahead. Look at emerging security threats and proffer solutions to them.”

    Read Also: Airlines airlifting passengers without entry visas to be sanctioned – Tunji-Ojo

    The EFCC Chairman, on his part said the agency recently arrested about 194 foreigners in one single operation at a single building in Lagos for various offences, adding that investigation revealed that about 15 of those arrested were ex-convicts from their own countries.

    He said 50 of those arrested have already been convicted by the court and have started serving their sentence, stressing the need to focus on emerging security challenges, while also amending the nation’s laws to remove operational challenges faced by agencies in carrying out their responsibilities and prosecuting offenders.

    He said the porous borders of the country have opened the floodgate for gorgeous people to come into the country at will.

    Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nana Nandap, said the issue of border security was not captured in the Nigerian Constitution and is left without a distinctive framework and has therefore created a problem for the service.

    She said even though it is critical to national security, it is not captured in the annual budget, adding that it is instructive to know that the security of your neighbour determines how secure you are

    She said further that the country currently has about 1400 illegal entry points into the country, adding that the country must make deliberate efforts in managing the borders.

  • BREAKING: FG declares public holidays for Eid-ul-Adha

    BREAKING: FG declares public holidays for Eid-ul-Adha

    The Federal Government has declared Friday June 6 and Monday June 9 as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Adha celebration.

    The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government. He congratulated all Muslim Ummah both at home and in the Diaspora on the occasion.

    He called on the Muslim Ummah to continue to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice and faith as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon Him) and to also use the period to pray for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

    Read Also: FG moves to curb illegal migration, economic desperation among youths

    The Minister in a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, assured Nigerians, the   people-oriented reforms and initiatives carried out, in furtherance of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s Administration, is to restore Nigeria on the path of progress.

    While wishing the Muslim Ummah a happy Eid-ul- Adha celebration, the Minister urged all Nigerians to join hands with the present administration in its efforts to restore the glory of Nigeria as a great nation.

  • Airlines airlifting passengers without entry visas to be sanctioned – Tunji-Ojo

    Airlines airlifting passengers without entry visas to be sanctioned – Tunji-Ojo

    The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has said that airlines airlifting passengers into Nigeria without a valid entry visa, Landing and Exit cards would be penalised.

    Tunji-Ojo made the remarks at a stakeholders sensitisation programme on the implementation of the E-Visa, Landing and Exit Cards on Friday in Lagos.

    According to the minister, Nigeria is not a testing ground and no foreigner should be allowed entry without a visa.

    He said that although Nigeria was making entry more accessible with the introduction of the E-Visa, but would not compromise on national security.

    He urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on the enlightenment and enforcement of its oversight function as a regulator to ensure that airlines adhere to the 2025 Nigeria Visa Policy.

    Tunji-Ojo tasked airlines on national security, stating that the E-Visa was of national interest to improve border security, tourism and sustainable economic growth.

    “I plead with the NCAA to regulate, that is why this meeting is a strategic collaborative effort of the ministry, the Nigeria Immigration Service and the NCAA. 

    “For the airlines, I know you are here to do business but you also have a responsibility in terms of national interest and security.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu, Tunji-Ojo, others for award

    “Before anybody comes to Nigeria, please see their Visas, not a prove of payment or their tickets. 

    “It is not acceptable in the UK, US, Canada and other climes and it will not be acceptable in Nigeria any more,” he added.

    Speaking on the ease of applying for the E-Visa and Landing and Exit cards, Tunji-Ojo said that it was necessary for the purpose of opening Nigeria’s frontiers to investors.

    He disclosed that as af May 22nd, the NIS had received a total of 5,814 applications, approved 5,671, rejected 66 and queried 62 applications since the introduction of E-Visa on May 1.

    According to him, the E-Visa process will improve the data base of the NIS with information of travellers.

    He explained the features of the E-Visa, the Landing and Exit cards with a barcode 

    “That you applied for a Nigerian visa does not mean you will have the visa, you will need to meet certain criteria for the visa to be issued” he added.

    The Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo in his welcome address said that the introduction of the e-Visa and the associated Landing and Exit card systems was a milestone.

    Najomo said that was a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards enhancing air travel facilitation while ensuring the highest standards of aviation security and operational efficiency are maintained. 

    “The e-Visa showcases one of the practical ways we continually align with global best practices by complying with the ICAO provisions of Annex 9 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation – on Facilitation. 

    “It is, inherently, designed to improve the experience of travelers, while strengthening our border control mechanisms. 

    The importance of seamless inter-agency collaboration cannot be over-emphasized in a bid to ensure the effective implementation of these systems without compromising safety, security, or service delivery.

    “The benefits derived from e-Visa applicants being able to complete visa applications entirely online, with processing time reduced to less than 48 hours, would have a multiplier effect. It will showcase Nigeria as an investor- and tourist-friendly nation, invariably translating to economic growth.”

    The Controller General of the NIS, Kemi Nanna Nandap in her closing remarks expressed her appreciation to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the NCAA D-G, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority and the NIS team. 

    She called for more inter-agency collaborations to further strengthen the seamless implementation of the e-visa, Landing and Exit cards innovation

  • Tunji-Ojo gets kudos on birthday

    Tunji-Ojo gets kudos on birthday

    A businessman and Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Olakunle Oluwateru has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on the occasion of his birthday.

    In a statement, Oluwateru described the Minister as a visionary leader whose dedication to public service and transformative policies have significantly impacted the nation.

    He praised Tunji-Ojo’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s security and immigration systems, noting his unwavering efforts in driving progress and development.

    Read Also: Fagbemi, Tunji-Ojo fault suit against expatriate employee levy

    “On behalf of my family and associates, i warmly felicitate with Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo on his birthday.

    His exemplary leadership and passion for service continue to inspire many. I pray for God’s continued guidance, wisdom, and strength as he steers the Ministry of Interior to greater heights,” Oluwateru said.

    He wished the Minister good health, long life, and further successes in his personal and professional endeavours.