Tunji-Ojo Highlights Plan to Reform Immigration, Fire, Correctional Services

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has laid out his vision for reforming key sectors under the nation’s Ministry of Interior.
The Minister, in a video broadcast at the weekend, reaffirmed his commitment to executing the “Renewed Hope Agenda,” of the present administration.
He said he would be embracing a transformative plan aimed at revamping immigration services, correctional service centres, and other crucial areas within the ministry.

Tunji-Ojo while acknowledging the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and vowed not to betray the responsibilities entrusted to him.
He revealed that his focus would be on ensuring that the government’s promises translate into meaningful action, making a positive impact on the lives of Nigerians.

He said he would do his best not to disappoint the president.
He said he was determined to enhance the experience of Nigerians seeking to register and obtain passports for various purposes.
Tunji-Ojo said: “I assure Nigerians of our desire to proceed with reforms in our immigration service, such that Nigerians can be treated with respect, and that we get to unbuckle all bottlenecks of passport collections —and see other issues associated with immigration services in general, are under control.”
Speaking on how he would reform the Correctional Service, he noted that his administration would see towards alleviating congestion in custodial centres as well as providing inmates with the opportunity for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

“I also would like to give assurance that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we would do everything humanly possible to reform our custodial centres, such as the decongestion of those centres —of course, with beaming life, and hope we’d groom inmates and help inmates to ensure proper re-integration into the society.”
Also, commenting on proposed reforms for the fire service, Tunji-Ojo emphasised the urgency of enhancing response times to emergencies.

“We would do everything within our power as a ministry to ensure that there are key reforms in our fire service centers, turn around the response time of our fire service to under fifteen minutes,” he added.

The commitment further reflects the administration’s recognition of the critical role played by the fire service in safeguarding citizens and infrastructure.

On prioritising the protection of national assets and facilities, the minister pledged to ensure the effective protection of national infrastructure by the Nigerian Civil Defense.

He noted that his commitment to improving immigration services, correctional facilities, emergency response, and infrastructure protection reflects the administration’s vision for a more secure, efficient, and prosperous Nigeria.

He said: “We will ensure that in terms of protection of national infrastructures —beautiful national infrastructure, the Nigerian civil defense should please respond to ensuring that our beautiful national infrastructures are well protected.

“We would also like to assure Nigerians that under my leadership in the ministry of interior would not rest on our promise of taking a clue from the zeal, determination, and commitment of the President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we would ensure that the renewed hope finds its foot in the ministry of interior, and Nigerians will be proud of this administration.”