Ministry of Interior

My brother and friend, Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe (SAN), the President of the Nigerian Bar Association paid me a courtesy visit this afternoon in my office. He was delighted to visualise the tracking systems we have put in place to monitor the reforms we have initiated across all the agencies under the Ministry of Interior.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s migration framework to enhance national security, service delivery, and investment facilitation. Speaking during a visit by the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Mohammed Bello Shehu. The Minister highlighted key reforms including the introduction of an electronic visa system and a digital platform for managing expatriate permits, aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and compliance. He also emphasized inter-agency collaboration and adherence to constitutional provisions on citizenship, while the Commission commended the Ministry’s role in boosting revenue and sought deeper collaboration on investment monitoring and citizenship-by-investment initiatives.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has expressed strong optimism about rising foreign direct investment in Nigeria, attributing it to reforms under Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Speaking during a meeting with Jagir Baxi of ExxonMobil, the Minister called for increased investment, particularly in offshore oil exploration, assuring government support. He also praised ExxonMobil’s contributions, noting over $3.5 billion in investments, while Baxi reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to Nigeria, highlighting key projects like the Erha platform and its significant economic returns in royalties, taxes, and levies.

The Honourable Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has praised retired uniformed officers for their service, reaffirming that their welfare remains a top priority under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He stressed that recent improvements in welfare, pensions, and career progression reflect the President’s goodwill and leadership, ensuring no officer retires into hardship. The Minister also highlighted cleared promotion backlogs and ongoing reforms to boost morale. In response, Chukwura Joseph Udeh commended the President for approving a long-awaited lifetime salary structure for senior officers, describing it as a significant relief after years of neglect.

The Honourable Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to reforming the correctional system, strengthening border security through technology, and enhancing financial accountability. Speaking during a visit by Haruna Yahaya of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, he emphasized prioritizing rehabilitation and reintegration in correctional centres, while noting that systems like CIMAS are improving border monitoring and preventing irregularities. He also highlighted the need for stronger preventive financial controls, deeper collaboration with ICAN, and innovative funding through public-private partnerships to expand critical services. Yahaya commended the reforms and proposed a joint task force to improve revenue assurance and reduce leakages across government institutions.

I received my brother, Dr. Kalilou Sylla, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture. Key in our decision is transforming the ECOWAS into supranational entity which will focus on shared economic and political goals. In achieving this, migration, identity and border management remains a major factor in achieving this dream. ECOWAS should be a supranational where we blur the lines of borders and boundaries. For instance, as a citizen of any of the ECOWAS member states coming to Nigeria, you should enjoy the luxury of using the E-gates facility at our international airports like every other Nigerian. He emphasised that the whole of Africa awaits the leadership Nigeria and I assured that, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), Nigeria is taking the lead, especially in the areas of migration and border management.

The Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defence and security landscape through collaboration, innovation, and strategic partnerships during a high-level meeting with AFRIDEX 2026 organisers led by Major General Umar Alkali. Emphasizing that national progress depends on breaking institutional silos and fostering collective action, the Minister highlighted the need to support local innovation—particularly among Nigerian youths—and ensure research translates into economic value through stronger industry linkages. He also pledged the Ministry’s full support, especially in security coordination and visa facilitation, positioning AFRIDEX as a forward-looking initiative capable of elevating Nigeria’s global relevance in defence innovation. Scheduled for October 26–29, 2026, at Eko Atlantic City, Lagos, the event is expected to attract over 30,000 participants and 500 exhibitors, further reinforcing Nigeria’s emergence as a global hub for defence innovation and security solutions.

Earlier today, I attended the Hypercity-Carrefour Collaboration and Franchise Sign-Off Ceremony in Abuja, alongside the Chief of Staff to the President, Right Honourable Olufemi Hakeem Gbajabiamila, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, and the respected business leader, Mr. Tony Elumelu. This partnership is a significant milestone for Nigeria's retail sector. It's a bold move that will bring in world-class investment, create quality jobs, and give our people access to modern, world-class shopping experiences. It’s a great step towards strengthening capacity and taking retail in Nigeria to the next level.

MINISTER OF INTERIOR DIRECTS NIGERIA IMMIGRATION SERVICE TO WITHDRAW PASSPORTS FROM PERSONS WHO HAVE RENOUNCED NIGERIAN CITIZENSHIP The Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service to immediately withdraw and deactivate passports of Nigerians who have renounced their citizenship but still carry the documents. This directive applies to Nigerians whose requests for renunciation have formally been approved by the President. The Minister maintained that the Ministry of Interior, saddled with the responsibility of citizenship integrity, derives the power from the provisions of subsections (1) (2) of Section 29 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which states; “(1) Any citizen of Nigeria of full age who wishes to renounce his Nigerian citizenship shall make a declaration in the prescribed manner for the renunciation. (2) The President shall cause the declaration made under subsection (1) of this section to be registered and upon such registration, the person who made the declaration shall cease to be a citizen of Nigeria”. He added that, once a person ceases to be a citizen of Nigeria, he can no longer carry any sovereign document of Nigeria, including the Nation’s passport. The Minister noted that this move is consistent with the passport and visa reforms which the Ministry has undertaken within the past few years. “We will continue to strengthen systems that secure Nigeria’s borders, prevent identity fraud, preserve the sanctity of Nigerian citizenship, and facilitate legitimate travel while preventing unauthorized or ineligible access,” the Minister noted. Alao Babatunde, SA Media to the Minister of Interior 10/04/2026

MINISTRY OF INTERIOR PRESS RELEASE 25th March 2026 FG Strengthens Accountability and Reform in the Nigerian Correctional Service The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and institutional reform with the formal presentation of the report of the Independent Investigative Panel on alleged misconduct within the Nigerian Correctional Service. The report was presented at a high-level stakeholders’ engagement convened by the Ministry of Interior, bringing together key actors across government, the justice sector, security agencies, civil society organisations, and development partners. Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Interior, Hon. (Dr) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, emphasized that the decision to establish the panel was guided by a deliberate choice to undertake a thorough and honest assessment of the issues, rather than a superficial review. The panel, inaugurated on November 24, 2024, concluded its assignment after 16 months of rigorous investigation, stakeholder engagement, and analysis. “The work of this panel represents a significant step toward strengthening transparency, accountability, and institutional integrity within our correctional system,” the Minister stated. “We chose to confront the problem directly because we believe that every challenge presents an opportunity for lasting reform.” The investigation was initiated in response to serious allegations, including corruption, abuse of authority, and human rights violations within correctional facilities. The findings underscore the urgent need to align the operations of the Service with principles of justice, professionalism, and respect for human dignity. He emphasized that correctional facilities must evolve beyond custodial roles to become centres of reformation, rehabilitation, reintegration, and societal transformation. Dr. Tunji-Ojo further noted that the outcome of the investigation will guide comprehensive reforms aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and addressing systemic gaps, including staff welfare and service delivery standards. He called on all relevant stakeholders to support the reform process, stressing that sustainable change within the correctional system requires collective responsibility and a shared commitment to upholding the rule of law and human dignity. In his remarks, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Honourable Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, commended the Honourable Minister of Interior for his leadership in facilitating this process and for demonstrating a deep awareness of the challenges confronting critical justice institutions. He described the exercise as a milestone in reinforcing public trust and strengthening accountability within the justice system. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding human rights through strengthened institutional frameworks, including the role of the National Human Rights Commission and its oversight mechanisms such as the National Preventive Mechanism. He also noted that the enactment of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, marked a pivotal shift from a punitive system to a modern correctional framework focused on rehabilitation, reintegration, and respect for human dignity. In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary and Chairperson of the Investigative Panel, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, highlighted the importance of the engagement as a platform for dialogue, reflection, and collective ownership of reform outcomes. She stated that the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and institutional reform in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda. She further noted that the panel’s work was guided by principles of fairness, independence, and commitment to the public interest. Goodwill messages were delivered by the Director-General, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Aliyu Bagudu Abubakar, Esq.; the Chairman, Conference of Speakers (represented by Mr. Busari Sarafadeen); the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN; and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), represented by Mona Aika. They collectively agreed that the report must serve as a catalyst for decisive and measurable action. The shared resolve is to build a correctional system that is humane, efficient, transparent, and aligned with both national priorities and international human rights standards. Participants also acknowledged systemic challenges affecting the correctional system, including overcrowding, prolonged pre-trial detention, and gaps in the implementation of legal frameworks. There was broad consensus on the need for sustained, collaborative reforms across institutions. Key recommendations emphasized: - Expansion of non-custodial measures - Improved access to justice - Protection of vulnerable groups, particularly children - Strengthening of oversight and accountability mechanisms - Enhanced welfare and working conditions for correctional personnel The Honourable Minister formally declared the engagement open, urging all stakeholders to approach the process with sincerity, objectivity, and a shared commitment to reform. E-Signed Mary Ali (Mrs) Head, Press and Public Relations Ministry of Interior

The agreement signed by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo on behalf of the government of Nigeria and Home Secretary, Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood on behalf of the UK government, guarantees that returnees will be treated with dignity, rights retention under domestic law, and may re-enter in the future if they meet the applicable immigration requirements. It also provides detailed arrangements for the dignified return and reintegration of NIGERIANS who do not have the legal right to remain in the UK. This arrangement includes: the use of secured travel documentation, case-by-case identity verification, and safeguards for vulnerable individuals and potential victims of trafficking. This framework also sets out clear definitions, scope, and areas of cooperation, including; information sharing, capacity building, training, and joint research on migration management and border security.

Earlier today, the Minister of Interior @BTOofficial was in the company of President @officialABAT when he paid a historic visit to UK Prime Minister, @Keir_Starmer at @10DowningStreet Credit: @MobilePunch

Nigeria and the UK have signed 3 major MoUs covering migration partnership, organised immigration crime & border security, and expanded business visas for UK firms operating in Nigeria. Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said the agreements reflect Nigeria’s push for a transparent, rules-based migration system that is safe, orderly and mutually beneficial, while tackling abuse of legal pathways and strengthening border control. He noted the deals will boost trade, ease mobility for businesses, and support Nigeria’s drive toward a trillion-dollar economy under Bola Ahmed Tinubu, removing barriers linked to irregular migration. UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described Nigeria as a leading bilateral partner with a shared vision for deeper cooperation, while Trade Envoy Florence Eshalomi said expanded visas will unlock economic growth opportunities for both countries. @UKinNigeria

VIDEO: Moment President @officialABAT and First Lady, Sen. Remi Tinubu, stepped out after witnessing the signing of a financing agreement between UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Federal Ministry of Finance at the Lancaster House. They were joined by the Minister of Interior @BTOofficial and other top government officials. 19/3/2026

The Minister of Interior, @BTOofficial joins President @officialABAT and First Lady, Sen. Remi Tinubu and other top government officials heading to @10DowningStreet as part of activities for the President's historic visit to the United Kingdom. 19/3/2026

The Ministry of Interior has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s correctional system into a hub for rehabilitation, productivity, and national development through strategic Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). Representing the Minister, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, emphasized this at a stakeholders’ engagement on optimizing correctional farm centres and industries, highlighting the shift from incarceration to rehabilitation, skills acquisition, and reintegration. With 18 farm centres and 10 cottage industries already in operation, stronger private sector collaboration is expected to boost productivity, enhance food security, drive economic growth, and reduce recidivism—aligning with the administration’s broader reform agenda.

MINISTRY OF INTERIOR PRESS RELEASE 17TH MARCH 2026 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DECLARES THURSDAY 19TH AND FRIDAY 20TH MARCH 2026 AS PUBLIC HOLIDAYS TO MARK EID-UL-FITR The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Thursday, 19th March, and Friday, 20th March 2026, as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr, which signifies the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, extended warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan. The Minister urges Muslims to sustain the virtues of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice, which were emphasized during the holy month. He also called on all Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for the continued peace, unity, and prosperity of the nation. While wishing the Muslim faithful a joyful Eid-ul-Fitr celebration, the Minister encourages citizens to celebrate responsibly and extend acts of kindness to the less privileged in society. The federal government remains committed to fostering national unity and peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians. Signed Dr. Magdalene Ajani Permanent Secretary Minister of Interior

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to stronger collaboration with the Ministry of Information and National Orientation to improve public communication of government reforms. Speaking while receiving the Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, in Abuja, he highlighted key reforms under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the transformative initiatives are restoring dignity to Nigerian citizenship, easing daily life for citizens, strengthening border security, reducing criminal exploitation of processes, and projecting a modern, positive image of Nigeria globally. Both Ministers agreed to strengthen strategic communication to ensure Nigeria’s governance reforms, security improvements and development initiatives are effectively communicated to Nigerians and the international community.