“Leadership is the art of transforming vision into concrete achievements.” – Warren Bennis
In January 2025, Hon. Olutayo Yomi Victor, a key member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, affectionately known as ‘Daddy Billions,’ publicly lauded the outstanding achievements of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. His praise was rooted in objective accomplishments rather than political allegiance. He remarked, “Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s visionary leadership has set a new benchmark for public service in Nigeria. His unwavering dedication to efficiency, fairness, and progressive reforms continues to inspire confidence and optimism across the nation.” Further emphasizing his point, he added, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is indeed privileged to have Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo as part of his cabinet.” This perspective resonates with many Nigerians who prioritize measurable results over partisan politics. Yomi’s commendation is substantiated by the Minister’s tangible contributions.
In a country where skepticism often clouds perceptions of government initiatives, it is vital to spotlight those public officials who genuinely drive progress. Recognizing such leaders is essential because they embody the promise of effective governance, serving as beacons of hope amid persistent challenges-qualities that Dr. Tunji-Ojo has exemplified during the first two and a half years of President Tinubu’s tenure.
The Ministry of Interior has recently achieved significant milestones, including the addition of over 30 patrol vehicles to strengthen security operations, the rollout of contactless biometric technology, and the establishment of a Tier 4, 8.3 petabyte Data Centre to revolutionize data handling. Moreover, the visa application process has been automated, resulting in faster and more efficient service delivery.
Since taking office in August 2023, Dr. Tunji-Ojo has demonstrated remarkable resolve and efficiency. One of his most notable accomplishments was the unprecedented clearance of a backlog of 204,332 passports within a mere three weeks-a record-breaking achievement in Nigeria’s history. This initiative alleviated the long-standing frustrations of many citizens awaiting travel documents.
Further enhancing passport services, the Ministry introduced a two-week turnaround for new passport applications, complemented by convenient home and office delivery options. These reforms have restored public confidence in the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). Additionally, the Minister has prioritized national security by tightening border controls and upgrading surveillance systems at international airports and other entry points to prevent unauthorized access and protect citizens.
Recognizing that a motivated workforce is crucial for achieving institutional goals, Tunji-Ojo swiftly focused on improving staff welfare. Thousands of personnel across the Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Fire Service, and Nigerian Correctional Service received promotions, boosting morale and operational efficiency. He also established a functional pension board to align paramilitary salaries with those of the Nigeria Police Force, promoting fairness and equity.
In acknowledgment of his transformative leadership, Dr. Tunji-Ojo was named “Public Service Person of the Year 2023” by Leadership Newspaper, praised for resolving the protracted passport booklet crisis within just five weeks of assuming office.
Demonstrating a compassionate approach to criminal justice reform, the Minister facilitated the clearance of fines and compensations amounting to ₦585 million for 4,068 inmates. This initiative has helped ease overcrowding in correctional facilities and emphasized rehabilitation over punitive measures.
These achievements align closely with the Ministry’s fundamental duties: safeguarding human dignity, promoting economic opportunities, ensuring justice, and maintaining national security. Beyond their humanitarian impact, these efforts significantly contribute to economic growth, social stability, and public safety.
Hon. Olutayo Yomi Victor also underscored Tunji-Ojo’s success in eliminating passport processing delays and securing Nigeria’s borders with professionalism and efficiency.
On September 28, 2025, the Minister announced a new chapter in Nigeria’s immigration system marked by digital innovation and citizen-focused services. Addressing the graduation of 689 cadets from the Immigration Training School in Kano, he highlighted advancements such as electronic gates at airports, digital landing and exit cards, a centralized passport database, and real-time electronic border surveillance.
The exemplary leadership of Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo offers invaluable insights for all leaders: be prepared, prioritize people, embrace practical innovation, and lead with integrity, courage, dedication, transparency, empathy, and humility. As he continues to advance the “Renewed Hope” agenda, we extend our best wishes for his ongoing success. To echo John C. Maxwell, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”