By Victoria Onehi
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has urged agencies under his Ministry to raise their standards to 100 percent performance, declaring that ongoing reforms must outlive his tenure and build enduring institutions.
Announcing the new benchmark following the 85 per cent rating it received in the performance assessment across federal ministries, Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stated that anything short of 100 per cent performance over the next year falls below expectations.
The Minister made the call in his address at the closing of the Ministry’s 2025 Mid-Term Retreat in Suleja, Niger State on Saturday, where he signed Performance Contracts bonds with the Heads of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Fire Service, and National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
The bond with the Nigeria Immigration Service will be signed later as the CG of the Nigeria Immigration Service was on the entourage of the President to Brazil then.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo noted that the Ministry had improved its performance rating from 62 percent last year to 85 percent but insisted this was not good enough.
“If today we scored 85 percent, let us strive for 100 percent. Excellence must be our benchmark. My dream is to build a ministry that thrives beyond my leadership, one sustained by strong institutions, not strong men,” he said.
He stressed that the goal was for every agency from Civil Defence to Fire Service to reflect the same level of excellence and deliver services that Nigerians can feel in their daily lives.
Tunji-Ojo applauded NSCDC for its work in protecting critical assets but urged it to “become an elite security agency” through better delivery on its new performance contract.
He commended CG of the Nigeria Correctional Service for the ongoing reforms that emphasise rehabilitation but warned against complacency: “A single second of loss of concentration can derail progress,” he cautioned.
The Minister charged the new Comptroller-General of the Federal Fire Service to expand into emergency medical services and open the sector for private participation.
He praised improvements in data security in NIMC but demanded stronger systems for verification and registration.
The Minister expressed profound appreciation to the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, describing her as “the stabiliser of the Ministry, a lady with steel, and the trusted hand that helps navigate the dangerous terrain of public service.” He noted that her commitment and competence have been pivotal to the achievements of the Ministry so far.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo also acknowledged the Directors and management staff of the Ministry, commending their sacrifices, dedication, and leadership in supporting both the Minister and the Permanent Secretary. He reiterated his belief that civil servants are not “evil servants” as often portrayed but are some of the best public officers he has had the privilege to work with.
In a special recognition, the Minister paid glowing tribute to retiring Deputy Comptroller General of Immigration, DCG Muhammad Umar (popularly known as MT), describing him as “a symbol of loyalty, principle, and character.”
“The story of our passport reforms and ICT innovations in Immigration cannot be complete without MT. His 35 years of meritorious service speak volumes of his loyalty and professionalism. He may be retiring from uniform, but not from contributing his expertise, and the Ministry will always knock on his door for guidance,” Dr. Tunji-Ojo remarked.
He further encouraged officers still in service to emulate the values of loyalty and integrity, stressing that character remains the ultimate determinant of performance in public service.
The Minister reminded agencies that Nigerians must feel the impact of their reforms:“We are agents of perfection. Let us deliver value that will make families smile and give citizens confidence in their country.”
