Tunji-Ojo warns paramilitary chiefs against non-delivery of set targets

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Thursday, warned heads of agencies under the ministry that there would be consequences for failure to deliver on key performance targets.

Tunji-Ojo gave the warning to the paramilitary chiefs at the 2026 Management Retreat of the Ministry of Interior and its agencies held in Abuja, stressing that the era of “business as usual” in the ministry was over.

The retreat brought together top management staff of the Ministry, heads of agencies, and senior officials to review performance indicators, refine policy strategies, and develop actionable frameworks for improved service delivery across the interior sector.

ALSO READ: GIZ reiterates commitment to Nigeria’s electrical safety

The Minister said the ministry plays a critical role in the lives of Nigerians and therefore could not afford inefficiency in service delivery.

The Minister 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.

According to him, the Ministry of Interior directly impacts over 240 million Nigerians through its responsibilities in identity management, border control, correctional services, emergency response, and protection of national assets.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasised that the Ministry must continue to raise its performance standards, noting that previous 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.

“This ministry deals directly with citizens. Our output affects millions of Nigerians. We must therefore understand the enormity of our responsibility,” he said.

The minister noted that the agencies under the ministry must align their operations with measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), adding that failure to meet agreed targets would attract sanctions.

“This time around, there will be repercussions. The era of business as usual is over. We must do things differently for the sake of Nigeria,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo also made it clear that he would not allow political distractions ahead of the 2027 general elections to derail the ministry’s mandate.

“Please don’t think I will be distracted by the seductions of politics. Our focus remains service delivery and fulfilling the mandate given to us,” he said.

The minister supervises several paramilitary agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Correctional Service, Federal Fire Service, and the National Identity Management Commission, as well as the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board.

The minister also called for reforms in the fire service sector, noting that the existing legal framework governing the Federal Fire Service dates back to 1963 and requires urgent review to meet modern emergency response standards.

He said Nigeria needs a Fire and Rescue Service Act that empowers the agency not only to respond to emergencies but also to regulate safety standards and prevent disasters.

Highlighting immigration reforms, Tunji-Ojo said the government has made significant investments in technology to strengthen border management and migration control through integrated data systems.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for improving the welfare of personnel in paramilitary services under the ministry.

According to him, the administration has cleared promotion backlogs and approved over 70,000 promotions across the services since assuming office.

“When we came in, there were serious backlogs in promotions. In three years, Mr. President has approved and effected over 70,000 promotions across the services,” he said.

He added that the government has also improved conditions of service and ensured regular promotion exercises to boost morale among officers.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, in her remarks, described the retreat as a critical platform for institutional reflection, performance evaluation, and strategic planning aimed at strengthening accountability across the Ministry and its agencies.

She noted that the theme of the retreat, “Accountable Leadership: Measuring Impact, Refining Results and Renewing Commitments,” reflects the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that leadership translates into measurable outcomes for citizens.

She said integrity, accountability, and transparency must remain the foundation of operations in order to build public trust and deliver effective internal security and administrative services.

Ajani urged participants at the retreat to engage in open dialogue, identify operational gaps, and develop practical solutions that would translate into improved border governance, efficient citizenship services, and stronger correctional administration.