– Amah Alphonsus Amaonye, Abuja
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has described 2025 as a watershed year of bold institutional reforms, assuring Nigerians that the momentum will be sustained and expanded in 2026 to further strengthen internal security, service delivery, and personnel welfare.
Speaking on Friday, 9 January 2026, the Minister said the Ministry of Interior recorded landmark achievements across its agencies under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the reforms were driven by accountability, innovation, and people-centred governance. He urged citizens to continue offering constructive feedback and public support in line with democratic values.
Correctional Service Records Major Turnaround
Tunji-Ojo highlighted significant progress in the Nigerian Correctional Service, where over ₦600 million was mobilised to support reforms. More than 4,000 inmates were released through lawful processes, achieving 5 per cent decongestion nationwide. Over 10 custodial centres were renovated, a centralised inmate database was launched, and 150 medical personnel were recruited to improve healthcare delivery. Feeding allocations were increased by nearly 50 per cent, while approval was granted for the deployment of NYSC medical corps members to custodial centres.
Immigration Reforms Boost Security, Efficiency
The Nigeria Immigration Service cleared a backlog of over 200,000 passports, deployed 308 patrol vehicles to strengthen border security, and launched a contactless biometric system. Visa processing time was reduced to 48 hours, with over 85,000 visas approved between May and December 2025. The service also rolled out the ECOWAS National Biometric ID Card and developed Tier-4 data centres with 8.3 petabyte capacity.
Identity Management, Fire and Civil Defence Strengthened
At the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), over 800 mobile enrolment devices were deployed, diaspora enrolment expanded, and the NIN Authentication Service (NINAuth) launched, alongside new digital self-service platforms.
The Federal Fire Service recorded improved response times, acquisition of new operational vehicles, and a dramatic reduction in property loss due to fire—from ₦1.2 trillion in 2023 to ₦1.9 trillion in 2024—while pushing for reforms of outdated laws.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) launched the Mining Marshal initiative, established Special Female Squads to protect schools, created Railway Commands, and boosted security for telecommunications infrastructure, while closing revenue leakages that supported economic growth.
Workforce Reforms Drive Morale
Under the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), the Ministry approved 30,000 new recruitments, achieved 35 per cent female inclusion, ensured the promotion of over 70,000 personnel, and approved peculiar allowances to address career stagnation and boost morale.
The Minister reaffirmed that the Ministry of Interior will deepen reforms across all agencies in 2026, consolidating gains already made and aligning operations with national security priorities and institutional efficiency under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
