The Nigeria–America Joint Veterans Alliance (NAJVA) has commended the Minister of Interior, Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, for what it described as unprecedented reforms that have modernised service delivery and strengthened national security since he assumed office in August 2023.
In a statement issued after a review of key developments in the Interior Ministry, NAJVA said the Minister had demonstrated “exceptional leadership, efficiency, and integrity,” noting that his achievements have delivered tangible improvements to both Nigerians at home and those in the diaspora.
NAJVA highlighted the “historic elimination” of a backlog of over 200,000 passport applications, cleared within the Minister’s first three weeks in office. According to the veterans’ group, the swift action not only restored trust in the system but also set the stage for the full automation of the passport process, which now enables Nigerians to receive passports in as little as two weeks. The alliance praised the rollout of online applications and the introduction of e-gates at major airports, describing them as critical steps toward a more secure and efficient migration framework.
The group also lauded the Ministry’s newfound status as a revenue-generating institution. Through digitisation and stricter scrutiny of expatriate quotas, marriages, and citizenship processes, the Ministry generated over N6 billion in 2024, marking a 150% increase from the previous year. NAJVA said it was impressed that these funds are being reinvested into modern infrastructure, including a new Data Centre and Command-Control facility expected to boost national security operations.
On human-centred reforms, the alliance noted the release of over 4,000 inmates after their fines were paid, easing congestion in correctional facilities by about 5%. It also praised the 32,000 long-overdue promotions across interior agencies, calling the move “a morale-booster that reflects responsible leadership.” The addition of new fire engines, the establishment of a Fire Service Academy, and the strengthening of the Safe School Initiative were also cited as indicators of a Ministry focused on public safety and institutional growth.
NAJVA observed that Tunji-Ojo’s work has been widely recognised, pointing to his Best Performing Minister of 2024 award from the Nigeria Citizen Action Group and his Public Service Person of the Year 2023 honour from Leadership newspaper.
The veterans’ alliance urged the Minister to remain steadfast in his commitment to technology-driven governance, service excellence, and border security. According to the group, the Interior Ministry under Tunji-Ojo is “not only solving old challenges but building a modern public service system Nigerians can be proud of.”
NAJVA concluded by reaffirming its support for ongoing reforms, saying the Minister’s vision aligns with the group’s advocacy for a safer, better-governed Nigeria for citizens at home and abroad.
Signed:
Rt. Olajide Olajuwon
President
