Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo Lauded for Passport Reforms, Improved Border Security

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The Democratic Patriots of Africa (DPA) has applauded Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his sweeping reforms across key agencies under the ministry, particularly the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), which has witnessed major transformation in passport issuance, border management, and service delivery.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the Country Representative of DPA, Ayobami Adeyemi, described the minister’s achievements as “a clear testimony to competence, patriotism, and transformative leadership.” Adeyemi said Tunji-Ojo’s reforms have brought efficiency, accountability, and innovation into one of Nigeria’s most sensitive ministries.

He noted that the clearance of over 200,000 passport backlogs within months of Tunji-Ojo’s assumption of office was a remarkable feat that restored confidence in the immigration system. “Today, Nigerians can process and obtain their international passports faster than ever before. Bottlenecks that used to frustrate applicants have been dismantled, and technology-driven solutions have made the process seamless and transparent,” he said.

Adeyemi also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Tunji-Ojo, describing the minister as a “visionary reformer who has redefined public service.” He said, “By entrusting the Ministry of Interior to a capable and result-oriented administrator, President Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to meritocracy and efficient governance.”

The DPA representative further commended reforms in other paramilitary agencies under the ministry, noting that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been strengthened to respond more rapidly to internal security threats, while the Nigeria Correctional Service is undergoing modernization to make correctional facilities more humane. He also highlighted improvements in the Federal Fire Service, which has been equipped with new technology and emergency response systems.

According to Adeyemi, “Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo has demonstrated that leadership is about results, not rhetoric. His impact has been visible across all agencies under his watch. The Nigeria Immigration Service has been modernised, border control is more efficient, and security surveillance has improved significantly.”

The group also commended President Tinubu for creating the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has expanded access to education for low-income students and reduced the number of dropouts across tertiary institutions.

Similarly, the President of the National Female Students Association of Nigeria (NFSAN), Faith Istifanus, praised Tunji-Ojo’s digital reforms in the immigration sector. She stated that under the new system, passport processing timelines have been drastically shortened — in some cases, applicants receive their passports within 24 hours. “This level of efficiency was unheard of in the past. It reflects the minister’s dedication and the commitment of the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap,” she said.

Public reactions, however, remain divided. While many citizens and observers have hailed the minister’s performance as exemplary, others have called for deeper reforms beyond passport issuance. Critics argue that attention should also be given to prison reforms, corruption among immigration officers, and affordability concerns, as some Nigerians complain that passport fees remain high.

Despite the mixed opinions, Tunji-Ojo’s tenure continues to attract recognition from civic groups, the media, and international observers. His technology-first approach has positioned the Ministry of Interior as one of the most digitally advanced government agencies in Nigeria’s current administration.

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