Tunji-Ojo Calls for Renewed Commitment to Service Delivery and National Security in 2026 .... Says Ministry is a closely knitted family

"The Ministry of Interior is a closely knitted family united by a common goal of protecting Nigerians and strengthening national institutions.” Says Tunji-Ojo.

Nigeria's Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has commended the leadership and personnel of the Ministry’s agencies for their professionalism, dedication, and consistent delivery of improved services to Nigerians. 

Tunji-Ojo, while speaking at the end of a three-day strategic engagement with heads of agencies and senior officials, described the Ministry of Interior as “a closely knitted family united by a common goal of protecting Nigerians and strengthening national institutions.”

He expressed appreciation to officers across the Ministry and its agencies for their unwavering commitment to excellence and for maintaining high standards of service delivery.

“Our mantra in the Ministry of Interior is one for all, all for one. Our responsibility is to help one another succeed. We do not engage in buck-passing; we believe that we are only as strong as the weakest link in the chain,” the Minister stated.

The Minister noted that the past year recorded significant achievements across the Ministry’s agencies, including improvements in border management, faster emergency response services, and notable reforms in correctional administration. He emphasized, however, that success should not lead to complacency.

“This Ministry deals with Nigerians every day. We cannot live in the euphoria of yesterday’s achievements. We must always focus on tomorrow and continue improving our services to the people,” he said.

In the same vein, the Honourable Minister signed the 2026 Performance Bonds with the heads of agencies, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to accountability, measurable results, and improved service delivery across all agencies under its supervision.

Highlighting specific areas of progress, the Minister praised the Nigerian Correctional Service for ongoing reforms and the positive recognition the administration has received for improvements in correctional facilities and rehabilitation programmes. He also commended the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for strengthening protection of critical national assets, as well as the Federal Fire Service for improving response times to emergencies.

Similarly, he acknowledged the Nigerian Immigration Service for enhancing migration processes and strengthening border governance through technological innovations such as automated e-gate systems at airports.

The Minister stressed that his role focuses on policy formulation and strategic direction, while the heads of agencies remain responsible for day-to-day operational management. He expressed confidence in the leadership of the agencies and praised their professionalism and commitment.

“As a Ministry, we provide policy direction and guidance, but I must commend the heads of our agencies for consistently doing the right things with minimal supervision,” he said.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Minister urged agencies under the Ministry to remain focused and undistracted, particularly given the political activities expected during the year.

He charged the Nigerian Immigration Service to strengthen border control and enhance the capacity of officers to protect Nigeria’s borders effectively. He also called on the Federal Fire Service to continue improving emergency and rescue response systems to ensure that help reaches Nigerians quickly during crises.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps was tasked with intensifying efforts to safeguard critical national assets and infrastructure across the country, while the Nigerian Correctional Service was urged to deepen rehabilitation and reintegration programmes for inmates to ensure that correctional facilities truly serve their reformative purpose.

The Minister further highlighted the importance of accurate national data and commended ongoing efforts to improve the integrity of national databases.

He reminded officers that public service is a privilege and a responsibility, urging them to remain committed to excellence and integrity.

“Out of over 200 million Nigerians, very few are privileged to serve at this level. That is favour and grace. We must not abuse it. We must work together to build a stronger and safer Nigeria,” he said.

The Minister concluded by encouraging all personnel across the Ministry and its agencies to remain focused on delivering tangible results for Nigerians.

“A new Nigeria is possible, achievable, and attainable. Together, through dedication and collaboration, we can make that vision a reality.”

He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting its agencies and ensuring that the government’s mandate of security, safety, and effective service delivery to Nigerians is fully realised.

This is contained in a statement issued and signed by Mary Ali (Mrs), Head, Press and Public Relations of the Ministry of Interior, Abuja.

7th March, 2026