Never Had It This Beautiful: Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo’s Remarkable Revival of Nigeria’s Interior Ministry
By Babatunde KUYE
In the history of Nigeria’s public service, the leadership of Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo in the Ministry of Interior stands as a beacon of transformative progress and hope. Since his appointment in August 2023, this distinguished son of Ondo State has demonstrated that visionary, technology-driven, and people-focused governance can bring about meaningful change in the nation’s security architecture and public service delivery. His tenure has not only raised the standards of performance within the Ministry of Interior but has also provided a powerful example of how effective leadership can shape Nigeria’s future.
It is imperative to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his foresight and courage in entrusting such a critical ministry to Hon. Tunji-Ojo. The president’s decision to appoint a young, dynamic, and reform-minded leader reflects a commitment to progressive governance and signals a new era of accountability and efficiency in Nigeria’s public service. The outstanding achievements recorded under Hon. Tunji-Ojo’s leadership have, in turn, conferred a renewed sense of credibility and vibrancy on the Tinubu administration, enhancing its reputation both domestically and on the global stage.
Hon. Tunji-Ojo’s approach to governance is marked by a commitment to efficiency, transparency, and innovation. Under his stewardship, the Ministry has achieved remarkable feats that have restored public confidence and strengthened national security. Perhaps most notable is his leadership in resolving the long-standing backlog of passport applications. Within a record three weeks, his administration cleared over 204,000 outstanding passports and processed more than 50,000 new applications, a feat that underscored the Nigeria Immigration Service’s renewed ability to deliver timely and citizen-friendly services.
Harnessing the power of technology, Hon. Tunji-Ojo introduced a suite of digital reforms, including an e-Visa platform, biometric tracking systems, and digital case management processes. These initiatives have modernized operations, making them more secure, efficient, and accessible. Complementing these reforms, he commissioned a state-of-the-art Data Centre and Command and Control Centre at the Nigeria Immigration Service headquarters, significantly enhancing the country’s border management and emergency response capabilities.
Beyond technological advancements, Hon. Tunji-Ojo has shown a profound understanding of the importance of the welfare and morale of paramilitary personnel. Through salary increments, timely promotions, and the establishment of a functional pension board, he has demonstrated that the strength of any security apparatus depends on the well-being and motivation of its officers. This holistic approach has energized the Ministry’s agencies and improved their capacity to fulfill their mandates effectively.
Recognizing the evolving security challenges facing Nigeria, Hon. Tunji-Ojo has pioneered innovative programs designed to address critical vulnerabilities. His Safe School Initiative prioritizes the protection of educational institutions, ensuring that students and teachers can pursue learning in safe environments. Similarly, the deployment of Mining Marshals to protect the country’s mining sites and curb illegal activities highlights his commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s natural resources and promoting sustainable development. The introduction of 10,000 Agro Rangers across the Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory to protect farmlands and farmers from insecurity is another bold step toward securing Nigeria’s agricultural sector and enhancing food security.
No doubt , Hon. Tunji-Ojo has exemplified a leadership style rooted in transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness. His prompt responses to crises, frequent site visits, and clear communication with the public have reinvigorated the Ministry’s agencies and fostered trust in government institutions. This hands-on and responsive approach is a refreshing departure from traditional governance and signals a new era of public service in Nigeria.
The impact of Hon. Tunji-Ojo’s leadership has been widely recognized and celebrated. He has received prestigious awards such as the Public Service Person of the Year 2023 from LEADERSHIP Newspaper for resolving the passport crisis, an Honorary Doctorate in Public Administration from Joseph Ayo Babalola University, the Sir Ahmadu Bello Platinum Leadership Award, and the Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award, which honors his dedication to youth leadership across Africa.
The remarkable achievements within the Ministry of Interior under Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo send a powerful message to Nigeria and the international community: when leadership is characterized by vision, integrity, and innovation, transformative progress is not only possible but inevitable. If such caliber of leadership were replicated across all ministries and sectors of government, Nigeria’s prospects for peace, security, and sustainable development would be profoundly enhanced.
Indeed, the declaration that “we have never had it this beautiful” in the Ministry of Interior is more than a slogan; it is a lived reality under Hon. Tunji-Ojo’s watch. His tenure serves as a shining example of effective governance and inspires hope that Nigeria can overcome its challenges and achieve greatness. The nation owes it to itself to embrace leaders of this quality at all levels of government, for withleaders like Bunmi Tunji-Ojo steering the course, there is genuine hope for a functional, prosperous, and united Nigeria. The Tinubu administration, through such appointments, has laid a foundation of good governance that promises a brighter future for all Nigerians and elevates Nigeria’s stature on the global stage.
Babatunde Kuye🖋️ An advocate for transformative leadership and youth empowerment. 08153376448, 08100318083 tducks30@gmail.com