The newly appointed Minister of Interior, Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, has expressed deep concern over the persistent delays experienced by Nigerians in obtaining their passports.
He has taken a firm stance to ensure that the frustrating wait for passports comes to an end.
During a meeting with the head of paramilitary organizations under the ministry and other stakeholders, Minister Tunji-Ojo underscored the need to swiftly address the reasons behind the passport processing delays.
He directly instructed the acting Comptroller General of Immigration, Caroline Wuraola-Adepoju, to take immediate action in resolving these issues.
Addressing the gathering on Tuesday, he conveyed President Buhari’s commitment to usher in significant reforms within the immigration policy and service. He emphasized that Nigerians should not endure prolonged waits for their passports, emphasizing that access to passports is a rightful entitlement.
Minister Tunji-Ojo articulated, “We must collaborate with the Service to eliminate these bottlenecks and make the immigration process more beneficial for the citizens. The immigration service needs to be more efficient and responsive. We are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work.”
He also highlighted the essential role of technology in bolstering border security efforts. The minister stressed the importance of securing all borders, including land, air, and sea, using technology to complement human efforts effectively.
Minister Tunji-Ojo’s commitment to efficient service delivery extended beyond addressing passport delays. He emphasized the implementation of key performance indicators for staff and heads of paramilitary agencies within the ministry. Setting timelines and establishing accountability mechanisms, he underlined the importance of responsibility in achieving the nation’s goals.
In his closing remarks, he expressed his determination to uphold his performance as the foundation for realizing the “Renewed Hope” agenda, a testament to his dedication to improving governance and the overall well-being of the citizens.