By Joy Onu, Abuja
For thousands of Nigerians, obtaining a passport was once a marathon of delays and frustration. Today, the Ministry of Interior tells a different story: faster processing, modernized systems, and a government determined to ensure citizens experience the benefits of its reforms.
Hon. (Dr.) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, recently hosted Hon. Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, at the Ministry’s headquarters. The meeting highlighted a shared commitment to ensuring that reforms in immigration, border security, and identity management are not only implemented but effectively communicated to the public.
In a demonstration of tangible results, the Ministry cleared over 204,000 pending passport applications in just two and a half weeks. Nigerians in the diaspora can now renew passports without visiting an office, thanks to a contactless system. Abuja also became home to the nation’s first centralized passport personalization Centre, enhancing both efficiency and security. Nigeria’s entry into the ICAO Public Key Directory now allows passports to be verified worldwide, strengthening the country’s global standing.
The Ministry’s reforms extend beyond passports. Electronic immigration gates have been installed at major airports, a digital visa system now guarantees approvals within 48 hours, and Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record systems have been deployed to strengthen border security. Meanwhile, the National Identity database has expanded to include over 130 million Nigerians, reinforcing both service delivery and national security.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized that these achievements must be visible to citizens. He invited the Ministry of Information to lead a coordinated public communication strategy and to tour key Interior facilities, ensuring Nigerians witness firsthand the reforms in action.
Hon. Idris praised the Ministry for transformative work across agencies, including the Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerian Correctional Service, Federal Fire Service, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps. He stressed that consistent messaging on security and governance would not only inform citizens but also enhance Nigeria’s international image, attract foreign investment, and counter misinformation globally.
Adding a global dimension, the Information Ministry announced that Nigeria will host the World Public Relations Forum later this year in partnership with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). The event will bring communication experts from around the world to the country, providing an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s reform-driven governance and innovative service delivery.
Both ministers agreed that strategic communication is as crucial as the reforms themselves. “Our goal is to ensure that these changes translate into tangible benefits for Nigerians,” Dr. Tunji-Ojo said. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing that public awareness and engagement remain central to national development.
For many citizens who recently renewed their passports in days rather than weeks, the reforms are already making a difference. With the Interior and Information Ministries working together, more Nigerians are expected to experience and appreciate the practical results of government reforms firsthand.
