By Haruna Abdulsalam
In a nation where leadership is often scrutinized, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Honourable Minister of Interior, has emerged as a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s Interior Ministry. His unwavering commitment to reform and accountability has earned him recognition as a transformative figure in the Nigerian government.
The ministers comprehensive reform agenda tackles long-standing issues within the Ministry of Interior and its agencies. His leadership is characterized by a commitment to enhancing national security, streamlining immigration processes, and improving correctional services. Notably, he successfully cleared a backlog of over 200,000 passport applications within three weeks and implemented an automated system to reduce corruption. The Suleja and Kuje Correctional centres have received face lifts in a pilot run.
Furthermore, he has improved the welfare and salary structures for paramilitary agencies, demonstrating his dedication to supporting those who safeguard the nation. He has also launched an initiative to automate border security, aimed at curbing illegal immigration and smuggling.
Despite facing resistance from entrenched interests that benefited from previous corrupt practices, Dr. Tunji-Ojo remains committed to his vision. His leadership has been instrumental in driving positive change within Nigeria’s interior ministry. The Conference of Civil Society for Transparency and Accountability (COCTA) has reaffirmed its support for Dr. Tunji-Ojo, recognizing that his reforms are vital for dismantling corrupt practices. COCTA emphasizes that transparency and accountability are essential for restoring public trust and creating a more just society.
COCTA has taken note of the false allegations surrounding identity card racketing within the Nigeria Immigration Service and the alleged incursion of illegal immigrants. However, after careful consideration, we believe these allegations are politically motivated attacks aimed at discreditin the Honourable Minister of Interior.
It’s essential to recognize that the Minister has been a driving force behind various reforms, including streamlining passport processing, improving correctional services, and enhancing border security. These efforts have undoubtedly disrupted corrupt practices and special interests, making him a target for those who seek to maintain the status quo.
The timing of these allegations raises questions about their validity and motivations. Rather than addressing the substance of the Minister’s reforms, his detractors are attempting to discredit him through unfounded allegations. COCTA stands firm in its support for Dr. Tunji-Ojo and his efforts to bring about positive change in Nigeria’s interior ministry.
His efforts have not gone unnoticed; he was awarded the Sir Ahmadu Bello Platinum Leadership Award and the Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award. His commitment to public service and nation-building has been evident throughout his career.
As the Minister continues to drive positive change within Nigeria’s interior ministry, it is clear that his transformative leadership is revitalizing the nation’s security and governance landscape. Despite the challenges he faces, the interior boss remains a beacon of hope for a better Nigeria.
COCTA remains steadfast in its support for Dr. Ojo. We recognizes that his reforms are vital for dismantling corrupt practices that have long plagued Nigeria.
COCTA asserts that transparency and accountability are essential for restoring public trust and creating a more just society. The ongoing reforms are designed to foster transparency within government operations, and Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s efforts to hold individuals accountable for past misdeeds are paving the way for positive change.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo has received widespread recognition for his transformative efforts, particularly in improving passport processing times and decongesting correctional facilities. His efforts have earned him several awards, and COCTA calls on other civil society organizations to rally behind these reforms to ensure
their successful implementation.
Amb. Haruna O. Abdulsalam
Director, Communication and Advocacy
Conference of Civil Society for Transparency and Accountability (COCTA) writes from Abuja.