The minister of interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has warned paramilitary agencies under the ministry not to allow political activities ahead of the 2027 elections to distract them from their core responsibilities of safeguarding the country and delivering essential services to Nigerians.
Tunji- Ojo gave the warning at the end of a three-day strategic engagement with heads of agencies and senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Interior, where he commended their performance but cautioned against complacency as the nation approaches another political season.
He stressed that the ministry and its agencies interact with millions of Nigerians daily and must therefore remain professional and focused regardless of the political climate.
“This is an election season. Please don’t be distracted. Nigerians must continue to get the services they deserve,” he said, urging officials to stay committed to their mandates.
The minister noted that although the past year recorded notable improvements in service delivery across the ministry’s agencies, the progress must not breed complacency.
“We cannot live in the euphoria of yesterday’s achievements. Our focus must always be on improving service delivery and strengthening our institutions,” the minister said.
Tunji-Ojo charged the Nigeria Immigration Service to intensify efforts to strengthen border security and curb irregular migration, stressing the need to equip officers with the necessary tools to effectively protect the nation’s borders.
According to him, the Service must work closely with border communities and relevant authorities to ensure that Nigeria’s territorial integrity is not compromised.
While reviewing the agency’s performance, the minister acknowledged that the NIS recorded significant output in passport services, issuing about 1.7 million passports in 2025. The Service has now projected 2 million passport issuances in 2026, alongside plans to strengthen the e-visa system, which is expected to deliver visa approvals within 36 hours.
The minister, however, maintained that targets and operational plans must reflect innovation, efficiency, and measurable improvements, warning that any projection that does not significantly improve existing performance or leverage technology will not be accepted.
He also tasked the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps with strengthening the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, particularly in the face of threats such as vandalism and economic sabotage.
The minister further called on the Federal Fire Service to improve emergency and rescue response systems nationwide so that Nigerians in distress can receive timely assistance during crises.
Tunji-Ojo equally urged the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) to deepen rehabilitation programmes in correctional facilities, emphasising that inmates must be transformed into responsible citizens before rejoining society.
He reiterated that public service is both a privilege and a responsibility, urging officials across the ministry and its agencies to remain disciplined, collaborative and committed to delivering measurable results for Nigerians.
“Know it, that all agencies under the ministry must present forward-looking and impactful deliverables and all performance targets should reflect real transformation in service delivery rather than routine projections.
To this effect you must review and strengthen your 2026 deliverables, ensuring they align with the federal government’s push for efficiency, innovation, and improved protection of lives and property.
“A new Nigeria is possible, achievable, and attainable. Together, through dedication and collaboration, we can make that vision a reality,” the minister stated
