Tunji-Ojo: The Face of Renewed Hope for Nigeria’s Interior Ministry

By Haruna A. Okatahi

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, is revolutionizing the country’s immigration services through innovative initiatives. The introduction of a contactless application process for international passports is a significant step forward, eliminating corruption and making it convenient for Nigerians to apply from anywhere in the world .

This move aligns with the Nigeria Immigration Service’s (NIS) vision to become a modern, effective, and efficient immigration service.

But that’s not all – Tunji-Ojo’s efforts extend beyond this milestone. With the President’s approval to retain 50% of NIS’s internally generated revenue, the service will be able to invest in cutting-edge technology and innovation, streamlining operations to meet global standards and reducing passport processing delays.

Tunji-Ojo’s leadership is a testament to his commitment to transforming Nigeria’s interior ministry. As a young engineer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and politician, he’s bringing a fresh perspective to the role

His vision for a more efficient and effective immigration service is inspiring hope for a better future also his background as an ICT expert and entrepreneur has prepared him well for this role.

Ojo has already taken steps to address pressing issues. He’s ordered the removal of bottlenecks hindering seamless passport issuance and directed the Immigration Service to disengage from partnerships that slow down the process

This move aligns with his goal of enhancing national security and preserving citizenship integrity.

Tunji-Ojo has always emphasizes on the importance of identity management in safeguarding national security. He’s working to build capacity for domestic forensic analysis and eliminate identity theft

His experience in consulting for prominent organizations, such as the World Bank and NNPC, showcases his problem-solving skills.
As a young leader, Tunji-Ojo’s achievements demonstrate his dedication and expertise. His transition into politics was driven by a desire to serve humanity, earning him recognition from the
Conference of Civil Society for Transparency and Accountability (COCTA)

Tunji-Ojo’s extensive experience in business management and consulting, spanning over 17 years across public and private sectors, makes him well-equipped to tackle the challenges facing the Ministry of Interior

The Ministry oversees critical agencies like the Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Fire Service, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp. Notably, the Nigeria Immigration Service has struggled to meet its obligations, including issuing international passports to Nigerians.

However, with Dr. Tunji-Ojo at the helm, there’s a commitment to change. He has already made significant strides in addressing these issues, demonstrating his dedication to efficiency and effectiveness. For instance, he commended the outgoing Comptroller-General of Immigration Service, Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, for her exceptional contributions, including clearing over 200,000 passport backlogs within two weeks.

Ojo brings a wealth of experience, having worked as an ICT expert and entrepreneur, and serving as a member of the House of Representatives of Nigeria

His leadership style embodies the essence of collaborative leadership, recognizing success as a collective achievement and empowering his team to contribute and grow together. His transformation agenda for the Ministry of Interior aligns with the 12 essential qualities of effective leadership, including _Self-Awareness_, _Respect_, __Compassion__, __Vision__, __Communication__, __Learning Agility__, __Collaboration__, __Influence__, __Integrity__, __Courage__, __Gratitude__, and __Resilience__.

Ojo has demonstrated his commitment to nurturing a culture of collective progress. He has launched initiatives such as the International Passport Automation system, which significantly reduces human interface in the passport application process and guarantees passport security

Before becoming Minister, he has served as a member of the House of Representatives, representing Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency of Ondo State. He was also the Chairman of the House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)

COCTA endorsement of Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s efforts is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards growth and development. It underscores the vital role of collaboration and positive reporting in driving collective progress ¹

To achieve this vision, stakeholders, media, civil society and citizens must join forces, fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and mutual support. This synergy is crucial for addressing the country’s socio-cultural, economic, and political challenges

Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s commitment to change and his achievements indeed make him “The Face of Renewed Hope” for Nigeria’s Interior ministry, he has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation, transforming the ministry with his seven-point agenda

His leadership has also been marked by his commitment to staff welfare and his call for unified action toward the Renewed Hope Agenda . His achievements are a testament to his visionary leadership and dedication to the welfare and security of Nigerians.

Overall, Tunji-Ojo’s leadership promises a brighter future for Nigeria, built on transparency, accountability, and innovative solutions

Okatahi is the Director Strategic Communications,
Conference of Civil Society for Transparency and Accountability (COCTA)
Writes from Abuja via
08038422503