Ministry of Interior Nigeria

28/07/2026

28/07/2026

You are watching the MAY Edition of Interior Insight, a monthly bulletin designed to provide a comprehensive overview of activities, events, and key developments within the Ministry of Interior and its agencies.

Interior Insight—Keeping you informed. Strengthening the nation's internal security.

15/07/2026

MINISTRY OF INTERIOR

PRESS RELEASE

FG CALLS FOR TECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN PRISON REFORMS AND GREATER REGIONAL COOPERATION AT UNODC AFRICA CONFERENCE

FG has reiterated its commitment to transforming correctional services across Africa through technology, data-driven decision-making, institutional reforms, and stronger regional collaboration.

Speaking at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Conference on Prisoner Classification and the Use of Technology in Prison Settings in Africa, the Hon. Minister of Interior, Hon. Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, emphasized that modern correctional systems must change to meet the realities of the 21st century.

He commended the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the African Correctional Services Association (ACSA), the United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), and other partners for convening the regional conference. He described it as a critical platform for advancing common standards across Africa.

According to the Minister, "The approach to correctional service management in the 19th century cannot be the same as the 21st century,” "Technology is no longer optional—it is essential to building secure, efficient and humane correctional systems."

He stressed that effective leadership begins with understanding problems before attempting to solve them. "We spend too much time prescribing solutions to problems we do not fully understand. If we devote adequate time to understanding the problem, the solution becomes much easier to implement." he said.

He further challenged correctional leaders to focus on three fundamental questions in driving reform: identifying the problem, determining the appropriate solution and establishing a clear timeline for implementation.
Highlighting Nigeria's recent reforms, the Minister disclosed that since the current administration assumed office, the country has recorded no successful prison attacks or jailbreaks, attributing this achievement to investments in digital transformation, improved data management and stronger collaboration among security agencies.

The Minister explained that digitizing inmate records, including biometric information and photographs, has significantly improved Nigeria's ability to respond swiftly to security threats and track offenders. "This is the power of technology," he said. "But technology alone is not enough. It will never replace human beings. Technology is only a catalyst that improves efficiency. Investment in technology must go hand in hand with investment in human capacity."

The Minister urged African countries to integrate correctional services into their broader national security plans instead of treating them as separate institutions. He called for stronger information sharing among law enforcement agencies within countries and across borders to deny criminals safe havens anywhere on the continent.

"I look forward to an Africa where a criminal fleeing one country cannot simply find refuge in another because our systems are connected and our institutions collaborate." he said.

Beyond security, the Minister advocated for a shift in the philosophy of corrections. He encouraged stakeholders to see correctional centres as institutions of rehabilitation rather than mere incarceration. "A correctional centre should be a place of transformation, rehabilitation, restoration, and hope—not simply a place of confinement."

The Minister further urged African governments to strengthen legal frameworks governing borstal institutions and juvenile justice. He stressed that young offenders should never be housed alongside hardened criminals. "Our young people deserve an opportunity for rehabilitation, not a pathway into deeper criminality."

He disclosed that Nigeria has significantly expanded educational and vocational opportunities for inmates. Thousands are currently enrolled in formal education, postgraduate programmes, vocational training, and skills development initiatives. These efforts, along with structured rehabilitation programmes, have contributed to a dramatic reduction in recidivism. This enables correctional facilities to become centres of productivity and personal transformation.

"There is nothing wrong in Africa that cannot be put right by Africans," he said. "Let us become agents of transformation and work together to build correctional systems that strengthen justice, improve security, and restore hope."
Declaring the conference open, the Honourable Minister called on African nations to embrace technology as an indispensable tool for transforming correctional administration and strengthening internal security.

Mrs. Mary Ali, anipr
Head, Press & Public Relations
15th July 2026

02/07/2026

MINISTRY OF INTERIOR

PRESS RELEASE

Minister of Interior Receives Conference of Speakers, Reaffirms Commitment to Stronger Federal–State Collaboration

The Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Thursday received the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, led by its Chairman and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, on a courtesy visit to the Ministry's headquarters in Abuja.

The Honourable Minister welcomed the delegation and commended the Conference for its proactive approach to partnership and nation-building. He reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to fostering strong institutional relationships with sub-national legislatures as key stakeholders in governance.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo noted that sustainable reforms in internal security and civic administration require strong synergy between federal and state institutions. He assured the delegation that its requests and proposed areas of collaboration would receive due consideration within the framework of existing policies and national priorities.

The Minister further reiterated the Ministry's resolve to continue implementing people-centred reforms aimed at enhancing national security, improving border management, and strengthening the integrity of Nigeria's internal governance systems.

Earlier, speaking on behalf of the delegation, Rt. Hon. Guwor congratulated the Honourable Minister on his leadership and reform-driven initiatives at the Ministry, noting that his performance reflects the confidence reposed in him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He emphasized that the Conference of Speakers, as representatives of sub-national legislatures closest to the grassroots, remains a critical partner in supporting policies and reforms that directly impact citizens.

The Chairman highlighted the importance of strengthening the existing relationship between the Conference and the Ministry, particularly in areas that promote national cohesion, strengthen the nation's security architecture, and enhance efficient public service delivery. He affirmed the readiness of State Houses of Assembly to provide legislative support in advancing the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda.

The visit underscored the shared commitment of the Ministry of Interior and the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures to deepening institutional collaboration in advancing effective governance, strengthening internal security, and improving service delivery across the country.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to sustained engagement, strategic cooperation, and collective responsibility in delivering good governance to Nigerians.

E-Signed
Mrs Mary Ali, anipr
Head, Press and Public Relations
2nd July 2026

02/07/2026

Commissioning of Innovation Hub by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani on Wednesday, 1st July 2026.

01/07/2026

MINISTRY OF INTERIOR

*PRESS RELEASE*

MINISTRY OF INTERIOR COMMISSIONS INNVATION HUB TO DRIVE CREATIVITY, WASTE-TO-WEALTH AND SERVICE DELIVERY

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, has commissioned the Ministry's Innovation Hub, reaffirming the Ministry's commitment to fostering creativity, sustainability, and continuous institutional reform.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Dr. Ajani described the Innovation Hub as a strategic platform designed to harness the creativity and ingenuity of staff, promote resourcefulness, and transform waste materials into economically valuable products. She commended the initiative for its innovative use of recyclable materials, including paper and textile remnants, to produce decorative items, handcrafted artworks, and functional office accessories.

Describing the project as a practical demonstration of the "waste-to-wealth" concept, the Permanent Secretary emphasized that innovation remains a critical driver of efficiency and productivity within the public service. She noted that beyond promoting environmental sustainability, the hub provides staff with opportunities to develop entrepreneurial skills while creating value from discarded materials.

To ensure the long-term viability of the initiative, the Permanent Secretary directed the Director of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, Mrs. Vera G. Azoro, to establish a structured financial framework for the Innovation Hub. She recommended the creation of a dedicated account to serve as a revolving fund that would support reinvestment, sustainability, and the expansion of the hub's creative activities.

Dr. Ajani also charged members of staff to sustain the culture of reform and innovation beyond individual leadership, emphasizing that institutional growth must be driven by systems rather than personalities.

She underscored the pivotal role of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement Units in promoting efficiency across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), urging officers to remain proactive, innovative, and committed to advancing the Federal Government's public service reform agenda.

"The true measure of this initiative is not in its commissioning but in its continuity. You must build on this foundation, strengthen it, and ensure it outlives individual tenures," the Permanent Secretary stated.

She further encouraged staff to maximize the Innovation Hub as a collaborative space for creativity, knowledge sharing, skills development, and practical engagement, while maintaining high standards of maintenance and operational efficiency.

The commissioning of the Innovation Hub represents another significant milestone in the Ministry of Interior's ongoing reform agenda, in line with the Federal Government's vision of building a more innovative, productive, efficient, and service-oriented public service.

E-Signed
Mrs Mary Ali, anipr
Head, Press and Public Relations
1st July 2026

30/06/2026

30/06/2026

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF INTERIOR

PRESS RELEASE

*FG Reaffirms Partnership with Faith-Based Organisations to Strengthen National Security and Unity*

The Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has reiterated the Federal Government's commitment to fostering strategic partnerships with faith-based organisations to advance national security, peaceful coexistence, and sustainable development.

The Minister made this known while receiving a delegation from the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, led by Most Reverend Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, CON, during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja on Tuesday.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo stated that Nigeria has made tremendous progress over the years, stressing that the country has advanced significantly from where it was four decades ago. He noted that the present administration remains committed to nation-building through inclusive governance, strategic reforms, and strengthened internal security.

He emphasised that collaboration with religious institutions is essential to promoting peace, national unity, and social cohesion, adding that the government cannot achieve sustainable national development without the active support of critical stakeholders.

The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the Ministry of Interior and the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in areas of mutual interest, particularly national security, social cohesion, good governance, and initiatives that promote peaceful coexistence.

Speaking earlier, Bishop Kukah commended the present administration for its responsiveness to issues concerning the Church, particularly the Catholic Church. He also applauded the Ministry of Interior for its openness to dialogue and constructive engagement with religious stakeholders.

The Bishop reaffirmed the Catholic Church's commitment to partnerinng with the Federal Government to promote national security, support sound public policies, and advance initiatives that foster peace, justice, unity, and national development.

In his closing remarks, the Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government's readiness to sustain meaningful engagement with faith-based organisations and other critical stakeholders in advancing the nation's development agenda.

E-Signed
Mrs Mary Ali, anipr
Head, Press and Public Relations
30th June 2026

28/06/2026

You are watching the April edition of Interior Insight, a monthly bulletin designed to provide a comprehensive overview of activities, events, and key developments within the Ministry of Interior and its agencies.

Interior Insight—Keeping you informed. Strengthening the nation's internal security.