By Joy Odor, Abuja
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has challenged agencies under his Ministry to raise their standards to 100 percent performance, declaring that ongoing reforms must outlive his tenure and build enduring institutions.
He made the call in his address at the closing of the Ministry’s 2025 Mid-Term Retreat in Suleja, Niger State on Saturday, where he signed Performance Contracts bonds with the Heads of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Fire Service, and National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
The bond with the Nigeria Immigration Service will be signed later.
“From 85% to 100%”
Dr. Tunji-Ojo noted that the Ministry had improved its performance rating from 62 percent last year to 85 percent but insisted this was not good enough.
“If today we scored 85 percent, let us strive for 100 percent. Excellence must be our benchmark. My dream is to build a ministry that thrives beyond my leadership, one sustained by strong institutions, not strong men,” he said.
He stressed that the goal was for every agency from Civil Defence to Fire Service to reflect the same level of excellence and deliver services that Nigerians can feel in their daily lives.
Agency-Specific Mandates
NSCDC: Tunji-Ojo applauded its work in protecting critical assets but urged it to “become an elite security agency” through better delivery on its new performance contract.
Correctional Service: He commended ongoing reforms that emphasize rehabilitation but warned against complacency: “A single second of loss of concentration can derail progress,” he cautioned.
Federal Fire Service: The Minister charged the new Comptroller-General to expand into emergency medical services and open the sector for private participation.
NIMC: He praised improvements in data security but demanded stronger systems for verification and registration.
Loyalty, Not Just Talent
The Minister also celebrated the retirement of Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, M.T. Umar, after 35 years of service, described him as a pillar of Nigeria’s passport revolution.
“The history of our passport reforms cannot be told without Umar. His loyalty and character sustained his career. You may retire from service, but the ministry will not retire your brainpower,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He urged officers to emulate Umar’s integrity, stressing that while talent can open doors, character determines endurance and performance in public service.
“Deliver for Nigerians”
Wrapping up, Tunji-Ojo reminded agencies that Nigerians must feel the impact of their reforms:
“We are agents of perfection. Let us deliver value that will make families smile and give citizens confidence in their country.”
