How President Bola Tinubu’s Reforms at the Ministry of Interior is Championing a New Face of Public Service
By Aliu Sani
Abuja
When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Hon. (Dr.) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo as Minister of Interior in August 2023, it marked the beginning of a new era in Nigeria’s governance. The focus was clear, especially with regards to transforming internal security, identity management, and public safety through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In less than two years, the impact has been significant, as Nigerians now experience faster services at airports, border posts, and identity offices; improved security and safer communities; and more efficient systems with integrated digital coordination.
The Centralized Interior Management and Administration System (CIMAS), which is a national data hub, has enabled real-time processing and sharing of critical information. Through the hub, Mr President’s Renewed Hope agenda replaced weeks of paperwork with moments of digital coordination.
At airports, electronic gates with facial recognition and biometric clearance have replaced long queues. Today, passport applications are automated, and border surveillance has improved with new vehicles and technology.
In Nigeria, today, the correctional system is shifting towards reform and rehabilitation, with inmates accessing education, vocational training, and skills acquisition. Meanwhile, the President has also ensured that healthcare services and feeding conditions of inmates improved, with surveillance systems now in place to enhance security.
Gone were the days when gold and other mineral resources get stolen by illegal miners. What we have now is a Ministry of Interior that has recalibrated the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to protect mineral resources, critical infrastructure, and communities. Mr President has demonstrated to be different, and his appointee has continued to act as his dutiful agent to deliver good governance. We also see this in the activities of the Federal Fire Service, which has now improved response times in its quest to save lives and property.
Any honest assessment of the Ministry of Interior will give credit to the President for his goodwill and political willpower to change the narrative as it is often said, insanity is doing the same thing over and over again while expecting a different result. Under the Presidency of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Identity Management Commission has reduced queues and improved services through mobile enrolment and self-service applications.
These reforms continue to reflect President Tinubu’s leadership in areas of prioritizing institutions, data-driven decisions, humane security, and citizen-centric governance. Hence, as reforms continue, the future looks promising with safer borders, stronger institutions, and a public service that reflects the future Nigerians deserve.
