- Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo emphasized that Nigeria’s paramilitary agencies should focus on integrity and performance, not poverty alleviation opportunities
- Tunji-Ojo called for a shift to performance-driven evaluations in the paramilitary services, tackling corruption and unethical behavior head-on
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has reiterated that Nigeria’s paramilitary agencies should not be seen as avenues for poverty alleviation but as dignified career paths that demand integrity and performance.
Speaking at a summit in Abuja attended by senior officers from the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services, Tunji-Ojo highlighted the need to eradicate corruption and prioritize efficiency.
“This meeting was convened because many significant challenges stem from state controllers, comptrollers, and commandants. Corruption must be tackled head-on,” the minister said.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized a shift from a tenure-based system to performance-driven evaluations, stressing, “We will no longer base career progress on years of service or connections. Negative practices within the services must stop.”
Addressing officers engaging in unethical behaviour, he added, “For those who believe petitions can hinder our reforms, we will supply reams of paper. No petition will deter us from doing what is right.”
He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to prioritizing the needs of over 200 million Nigerians above individual egos or ambitions, adding that patriotism and teamwork are essential for achieving set goals.
Tunji-Ojo warned the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) against commercializing prison facilities. He criticized practices that tie inmate comfort to financial status and emphasized the role of correctional facilities in rehabilitation and reform.
“Inmates must be treated with dignity, and facilities should align with their primary purpose of rehabilitation and respect for human rights,” the minister stated.
The minister urged the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to evolve beyond issuing travel documents to actively managing migration and border security.
Similarly, he challenged the Federal Fire Service to enhance emergency response times to five minutes, calling for innovation and improved efficiency.
He commended the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for protecting national assets and reminded the agency to stay focused on its core mission, distinct from traditional police duties.
Tunji-Ojo concluded by urging all paramilitary agencies to adopt a culture of accountability, efficiency, and excellence in service delivery.
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