By FEMI SALAKO

In a resounding testament to transformative leadership, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the current Minister of Interior for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. His tenure, marked by significant reforms and unprecedented accomplishments, has set a new standard in public service, encapsulating a vision of efficiency, equity, and progressive change.

One of Tunji-Ojo’s hallmark triumphs is his commendable feat at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). Confronted with an overwhelming backlog of 204,332 passports, he orchestrated their clearance within a record-breaking three-week period. This remarkable achievement not only alleviated a dire national crisis but also restored confidence in the NIS’s capability to meet the needs of Nigerian citizens efficiently.

Beyond addressing immediate crises, Tunji-Ojo’s visionary directives have heralded a new era of efficiency and service delivery. He pledged to revolutionize passport processing by promising a two-week timeline for applications. Starting in February 2024, Nigerians will benefit from the introduction of home and office delivery of passports, a service aimed at enhancing convenience and accessibility. Moreover, his initiative to implement personal uploads of passport photographs streamlines the application process, making it more user-friendly and efficient.

Tunji-Ojo’s proactive stance on international relations underscores his commitment to fairness and reciprocity in visa processes. He has taken a bold stand against inequitable privileges granted to foreign nationals, championing the rights of Nigerian applicants and ensuring they receive just treatment abroad. This stance not only protects Nigerian citizens but also strengthens the nation’s international standing.

The minister’s Midas touch extends to the welfare of paramilitary officers. He has been a vocal advocate for equitable compensation and has initiated plans for a functional pension board, boosting morale and productivity within the ranks. His efforts aim to align paramilitary salaries with those of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), ensuring fairness and equity. These reforms signify a pivotal step towards enhancing the livelihoods of those who serve the nation.

Tunji-Ojo’s dedication to criminal justice reform is evident in his resolve to decongest correctional facilities. By clearing fines and compensations worth N585 million for 4,068 inmates, he showcased a compassionate approach to justice. His commitment to transforming correctional homes into centers of rehabilitation signifies a paradigm shift from punitive measures to holistic rehabilitation, fostering hope and redemption for inmates.

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In recognition of his sterling performances, Tunji-Ojo was awarded the “Public Service Person of the Year 2023” by Leadership newspaper. This accolade was bestowed upon him for his bold, extensive, and exceptional reforms in tackling the perennial passport booklet debacle at the NIS, within less than five weeks of assuming office. Leadership found him worthy of the award for his ability to resonate with millions of citizens for whom obtaining or renewing the Nigerian passport had become a nightmare.

As the year passes it midpoint, Tunji-Ojo’s tenure as Minister of Interior continues to stand as a testament to his unwavering dedication and transformative leadership. His latest achievements include the completion of a state-of-the-art Data Centre and Command and Control Centre at the NIS headquarters, which will soon be commissioned. These new facilities are set to fully support new visa and passport application policies, as well as an effective border management system.

Additionally, the installation of E-Gates at several airports across Nigeria and the rehabilitation of various correctional centres further highlight his commitment to modernizing and improving the country’s security infrastructure.

With these sterling performances thus far, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo is poised to elevate the Ministry of Interior to greater heights. His relentless pursuit of excellence, coupled with his visionary leadership, fortifies the nation’s security and amplifies Nigeria’s role in shaping a brighter future. As Nigeria steps into the new year, the achievements of Tunji-Ojo resonate as a prelude to even greater strides ahead, cementing his legacy as a transformative leader in the annals of Nigerian public service.

*Salako is a Publisher of Triangle News Media

The Star