The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening institutional reforms, improving service delivery, and enhancing internal security administration through accountability and performance-driven leadership across all agencies under the Ministry.
Speaking at the 2026 Management Retreat of the Ministry of Interior and its agencies, Tunji-Ojo commended the leadership and staff for their dedication to reform initiatives that have repositioned the sector in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He stressed that the Ministry must continue to raise its performance standards, noting that past achievements should serve as motivation rather than a final destination. “Yesterday belongs to history. What truly defines our future is what we do today. While we have recorded significant milestones, we must continue to raise the bar and pursue greater achievements in delivering efficient services to Nigerians,” he said.
The Minister highlighted the unique role of the Ministry in national governance, pointing to its responsibilities in identity management, border administration, correctional services, internal security, and citizenship services that directly impact citizens. He also commended the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, for her administrative leadership and commitment to implementing key performance agreements and reforms.
In her remarks, Ajani described the retreat as a critical platform for institutional reflection, performance evaluation, and strategic planning aimed at strengthening accountability. She noted that the theme, “Accountable Leadership: Measuring Impact, Refining Results and Renewing Commitments,” reflects the Ministry’s determination to ensure leadership translates into measurable outcomes for citizens.
Ajani explained that reforms have been intensified to strengthen institutional capacity, modernise operational systems, enhance transparency, and improve inter-agency collaboration. She emphasised the importance of data-driven performance management, clear key performance indicators, and robust monitoring frameworks to move from activity-based reporting to outcome-based governance.
She also highlighted the role of digital transformation in improving efficiency across identity management systems, border control operations, and emergency response coordination, stressing that technology-driven reforms will enhance transparency and reduce inefficiencies. While underscoring the importance of systems and technology, she noted that human capital remains the Ministry’s most critical asset, calling for sustained investment in staff development, ethical standards, and a merit-based performance culture.
The retreat featured goodwill messages from stakeholders, including representatives of the National Assembly and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, who commended the Ministry’s ongoing reforms and emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration between the executive and legislature in strengthening internal security and institutional governance.
The gathering brought together top management staff, agency heads, and senior officials to review performance indicators, refine policy strategies, and develop actionable frameworks for improved service delivery across the Interior sector.
By Palma Ileye, Abuja
