The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has issued a strong warning to all paramilitary and regulatory agencies under the ministry, urging them to remain focused on service delivery as the nation approaches the 2027 general elections.
According to the minister, political activities must not distract agencies from their core mandate of safeguarding lives, protecting national assets, and providing essential services to Nigerians.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo made the statement at the conclusion of a three-day strategic engagement with heads of agencies and senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Interior.
During the engagement, he commended the agencies for their performance over the past year but cautioned against complacency.
“We have made notable progress, but past achievements must not lull us into inaction. Service delivery remains our primary responsibility,” he said.
The minister emphasized that the ministry and its agencies interact daily with millions of Nigerians, from border communities to urban centers.
“This is an election season. Please don’t be distracted. Nigerians must continue to receive the services they deserve.
“Professionalism and commitment to service delivery must remain unwavering,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of innovation in operational performance, Dr. Tunji-Ojo stressed that agencies must continually improve their methods and approaches to ensure Nigerians experience efficient, reliable, and timely services.
He warned that any operational plan or target that fails to improve efficiency or leverage modern technology would not be accepted.
A key focus of the minister’s directives was the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). Dr. Tunji-Ojo charged the agency to strengthen border security and curtail irregular migration.
He noted the critical role the NIS plays in protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and emphasized the need to equip officers with modern tools and technology.
Collaboration with border communities and relevant authorities, he said, is essential to ensuring the nation’s borders are secure and well-managed.
The minister praised the NIS for its significant achievements in 2025, including the issuance of approximately 1.7 million passports.
For 2026, the service aims to issue 2 million passports and strengthen the e-visa system, allowing visa approvals within 36 hours.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo insisted that these targets must translate into tangible improvements in service delivery, stressing that innovation, efficiency, and measurable impact should guide all initiatives.
In addition to the NIS, the minister outlined specific mandates for other agencies under the ministry.
He directed the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to prioritize the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, particularly in the face of threats such as vandalism, theft, and economic sabotage.
Strengthening these protections, he said, directly contributes to improved service delivery and national stability.
For the Federal Fire Service, Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized the urgent need to enhance emergency and rescue response systems nationwide.
He highlighted the importance of quick and efficient intervention during disasters to ensure that citizens in distress receive timely assistance.
Efficient service delivery in emergencies, he said, can save lives and prevent large-scale losses.
The minister also challenged the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) to strengthen rehabilitation programs in correctional facilities.
He noted that transforming inmates into responsible citizens before reintegration is essential not only for public safety but also for improving service delivery in the broader sense, as rehabilitated citizens contribute positively to society.
Reiterating the significance of public service, Dr. Tunji-Ojo described it as both a privilege and a responsibility.
“All agencies under the ministry must present forward-looking and impactful deliverables. Service delivery should reflect real transformation and not mere routine projections,” he said.
He encouraged agencies to review and strengthen their 2026 operational plans, aligning them with the federal government’s push for efficiency, innovation, and protection of lives and property.
The minister also underscored the importance of discipline, collaboration, and accountability across all agencies.
He warned that as the political season approaches, the temptation to engage in partisan activities could compromise the quality of service delivery, urging leaders and staff to maintain high ethical standards and operational focus.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo concluded with a motivational note, emphasizing that a “new Nigeria” is possible through dedication, collaboration, and efficient service delivery.
“Through commitment to innovation, improved processes, and unwavering focus on results, we can ensure that Nigerians continue to receive the high-quality services they deserve,” he said.
By prioritizing service delivery across all paramilitary and regulatory agencies, the ministry seeks not only to protect lives and national assets but also to strengthen public confidence in government institutions.
The strategic engagement reaffirmed that, even in politically charged periods, the ministry’s agencies must remain focused on results-oriented performance that benefits every Nigerian.
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