Inside the Reforms, Innovations, and Milestones of the Minister of Interior
By Dipo Kehinde/
When President Bola Tinubu appointed Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo as Nigeria’s Minister of Interior on August 21, 2023, many expected him to bring the same energy and reformist zeal that defined his tenure in the House of Representatives where he was the Chairman of the House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Nearly two years into his stewardship, it is clear that the Obafemi Awolowo University-trained engineer-turned-politician has not only met but exceeded expectations.
From clearing decades-old passport bottlenecks to pioneering a contactless biometric passport system and enhancing border security through e-gates, Tunji-Ojo is reshaping Nigeria’s immigration framework in ways never seen before.
From Stagnation to Efficiency: The Passport Revolution
For years, Nigerians seeking passports endured an endless cycle of frustration, delays, and inefficiency. Backlogs stretched for months, with applicants left stranded in a bureaucratic maze. Enter Tunji-Ojo, and the narrative changed dramatically.
Within ten months of assuming office, he spearheaded an aggressive campaign to eliminate over 204,000 pending passport applications. But he didn’t stop there — he restructured the process, introducing a two-week issuance deadline to ensure passports were delivered promptly.
“No Nigerian should suffer for what is their right,” Tunji-Ojo declared, setting the tone for an administration focused on delivering results.
Game-Changing Contactless Biometric Passports
Recognizing the need to modernize travel documents, Tunji-Ojo led the rollout of contactless biometric passports — a groundbreaking innovation designed to enhance security and ease of access. These passports, equipped with facial recognition and fingerprint technology, not only reduce fraud but also allow for remote renewal without the need for in-person visits.
This initiative places Nigeria on the same pedestal as global leaders in passport technology, significantly improving the ease of travel for citizens.
E-Gates: A Leap Towards Smart Border Management
One of the minister’s most futuristic moves has been the installation of electronic gates (e-gates) at major international airports. These automated systems, powered by artificial intelligence, allow for swift and seamless clearance of travellers using biometric data.
For years, Nigerian airports have struggled with inefficient manual immigration clearance, leading to long queues and unnecessary delays. With e-gates, border security is no longer just about human discretion but data-driven, foolproof, and efficient processing.
A Digital Command and Control Centre for Immigration
A robust immigration system is not just about passports and visas; it is about intelligence gathering and real-time monitoring. Tunji-Ojo understands this and has established a state-of-the-art Command and Control Centre at the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) headquarters.
This facility allows for real-time surveillance, data processing, and border security management, helping authorities preempt security threats and respond swiftly to emerging challenges.
Visa Automation: Making Nigeria Business-Friendly
In a bid to enhance ease of doing business and attract investors, the minister is driving automation of short-stay visa approvals. Soon, visitors will be able to apply for a visa online and get approval within 24 to 48 hours, receiving an e-visa directly via email.
This bold reform is expected to boost tourism, facilitate international business partnerships, and eliminate the traditional red tape that has discouraged investors from considering Nigeria.
A Legacy of Bold Reforms and Unmatched Efficiency
Dr. Tunji-Ojo has done more than just managed the Interior Ministry—he has reengineered the entire immigration experience for Nigerians. From ending passport delays to introducing cutting-edge border control technologies, his tenure stands as a testament to visionary leadership and transformational governance.
With an eye on continuous improvement, Tunji-Ojo’s reforms are setting Nigeria on a path where efficiency, security, and innovation drive its immigration system.
In just under two years, he has proven that with the right leadership, bureaucracy can be tamed, systems can work, and Nigerians can get the service they deserve.
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