By Palma Ileye
Federal Government in continued efforts on gender mainstreaming has set aside for women, 35 percent of all recruitment slots into the Para-military services namely; Federal Fire Service, FFS, Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, which are under the Ministry of Interior.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo disclosed this during a Media Parley to mark One year in office.
Tunji-Ojo said, “We want to give our women 35 percent recruitment quota across all our Services. Career development management of these Para-military agencies is part of our focus.
“We introduced landmark policies such as a 35% recruitment quota for women across all services under our purview, promoting inclusivity and ensuring that the Ministry reflects the diversity of our nation. We also championed the welfare of our officers, securing group life insurance and pension benefits for them, an achievement that speaks to our commitment to those who put their lives on the line for the safety of this country.”
Speaking on other achievements since he came in office he said that the Ministry have secured direct Presidential approval for Para-military service vacancies, eliminating the bureaucracy that had stifled progress and by so doing, achieved autonomy for the Board, securing the right to recruit its own staff which was an essential step toward building a stronger, more capable workforce.
He said that the focus was to break through the bottlenecks and inefficiencies that have plagued institutions for decades and ne of the first major achievements was completing long-overdue promotions within the promotion year, a feat that had not been accomplished in the 38-year history of the Board. This was more than just a process; it was about restoring faith, boosting morale, and ensuring that our officers feel valued and motivated to serve.
In the ongoing fight against vandalism and the protection of critical infrastructure, the Interior Minister said that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has been relentless saying that over the past year, it has arrested 2,254 vandals and oil bunkerers, with 550 currently under prosecution and 122 convictions already secured. In addition, the NSCDC disrupted organised crime networks by destroying 150 illegal refineries and 64 illegal oil dumps.
“The reform of the private security sector has also yielded impressive results. 115 licensed companies are now legally operating, and we are in the process of licensing an additional 178 companies. Moreover, a total of 3,394 private security guards have undergone rigorous training, while the sector generated an impressive revenue of ₦861,620,500.
“In alignment with our economic diversification goals, we launched the Mine Marshal initiative in partnership with the Ministry of Mines and Steel to combat illegal mining and boost national revenue. This is just one example of our commitment to reducing dependency on the oil industry.
“Our personnel have received extensive training to maintain readiness in the face of evolving security challenges. Over the past year, 21,383 Senior officers and 2,551 Junior officers were promoted, while 818 Junior officers were upgraded to Senior officer cadre, ensuring a motivated and capable workforce. We have also prioritized the National Plan on Safe School initiative, providing a secure environment for our children to learn without fear.”
On the Nigeria Correctional Service, NCoS, he said that the Ministry have embarked on a series of infrastructural improvements to enhance operational efficiency and inmate welfare.
Explaining that, “Across various regions, we have completed projects such as the renovation of administrative and kitchen blocks, the construction of official quarters, and the installation of security infrastructure like perimeter fences.
“To highlight a few achievements: In Niger State, we completed the renovation of the administrative block and constructed a new kitchen block at Suleja. In Kano State, we reconstructed an observation tower with a mini-armoury, strengthening security measures. In Lagos State, we built a 96-capacity solid concrete cell block at the Kirikiri Maximum Security facility, improving accommodation for inmates.
“We have also cemented a partnership with the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF aimed at rehabilitating inmates within our Custodial Centres through football, as part of our broader strategy to use the transformative power of sports to foster discipline, teamwork, and personal growth among inmates, providing them with a constructive outlet for their energy, thereby reducing recidivism. Through this innovative approach, we are reinforcing our commitment to rehabilitation, ensuring that our correctional centres truly offer a second chance for those willing to transform their lives.
“Additionally, through partnerships with the private sector, we facilitated the release of over 4,000 inmates, reducing custodial overcrowding by 5%, without incurring any cost to the government.”
He said that the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, was the gateway to the nation, and the Ministry’s responsibility to reform and modernise its operations has been paramount.
Revealing that, “In the last year, we introduced advanced border management technologies, including GIS, Geographic Information Systems, and other surveillance tools and infrastructure, to enhance national security. This technology allows for better monitoring and control of Nigeria’s extensive borders, ensuring that our immigration services are prepared to face modern security challenges.
“As you are aware, we embarked on a comprehensive overhaul of the passport issuance process, addressing long-standing issues that have frustrated millions of Nigerians. One of our key accomplishments was clearing a massive backlog of 204,332 passport applications, a backlog that had left many citizens stranded for months, if not years. Today, I can proudly say that we have not only addressed this challenge but we have introduced home delivery services for passports. This innovation ensures that Nigerians no longer have to endure the stress of traveling long distances or waiting in long queues. Passports are now delivered directly to the homes of applicants, a service that has brought immense relief to thousands.”
He said that the NIS has also implemented contactless technology, streamlining the passport application process and improving overall efficiency. The days of bottlenecks and endless paperwork are behind us. Today, Nigerians experience a faster, more transparent, and seamless passport issuance process.
“We have also established a cutting-edge data center at the NIS, with an impressive storage capacity of 1.4 petabytes. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to securely house and manage a vast array of critical national information, including the biometric data and personal records of Nigerian citizens, in order to ensure the safe storage and retrieval of sensitive information and enhance the efficiency of national security operations, identity management, and service delivery across the country.
“We are also installing a total of 41 e-gates at our airports (eight at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, 21 slated for the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, and four each at the international airports in Kano, Enugu, and Port Harcourt) offering diasporan Nigerians and returning citizens an automated, hassle-free screening process. This innovation not only improves efficiency at entry points but also ensures that our citizens abroad return home with pride and ease.
“We also made tremendous progress in international collaborations by enhancing our partnerships with global agencies to combat transnational crimes such as human trafficking, illegal immigration, and smuggling. These partnerships have bolstered our efforts to safeguard national security while contributing to the global fight against organised crime.
“Furthermore, the integration of Nigerian passports into global standards, ICAO PKD and PKI, have further solidified the NIS as a key player on the international stage. These initiatives enhance both access and security, making Nigerian passports more secure and respected worldwide,” he explained.
The Minister said that the Federal Fire Service, FFS, often underestimated as the backbone of the nation’s emergency response system, has also seen tremendous growth and modernisation under our leadership explaining that, “One of our landmark achievements in this sector has been the remodeling and groundbreaking of the National Fire Academy in Sheda, Abuja. This academy will serve as a national hub for training, research, and development, ensuring that our fire personnel are equipped with cutting-edge skills and knowledge to tackle fire-related emergencies.
“Additionally, we recognised that the existing legal framework guiding fire services in Nigeria was outdated and insufficient to meet current demands. As a result, we have initiated efforts towards passing a comprehensive Fire Act to replace the antiquated 1963 law. This new legislation will modernise fire safety protocols and give the FFS the legal backing it needs to operate effectively in today’s world.
“One of our most important goals was to reduce response times and ensure that the FFS is better prepared to deal with emergencies swiftly and effectively. Over the past year, we have commissioned new operational vehicles, enhanced firefighting equipment, and launched fire prevention initiatives across the country. This has led to a significant reduction in fire response times, saving countless lives and properties in the process.
“Our fire prevention campaigns have been critical in sensitising the public on the importance of safety measures. The FFS has conducted community outreach programs, workshops, and training sessions, ensuring that citizens are equipped with the knowledge to prevent fires before they start. These campaigns have significantly reduced the number of fire incidents nationwide.”
He said that the FFS has also made strides in capacity building by investing heavily in training and development of its personnel noting that, “We have strengthened collaboration with International Fire Agencies, sending personnel for advanced training programs abroad and introducing modern firefighting techniques into our operations. This ensures that our firefighters are not only well-trained but also equipped to handle emergencies of any scale, from industrial fires to household accidents.
“Furthermore, we have taken bold steps to strengthen inter-agency collaboration, particularly with Local and State Fire Services, to create a more coordinated approach to emergency response across Nigeria. These partnerships have enhanced operational efficiency, enabling us to respond faster and more effectively to fire outbreaks and other emergencies.”
He added that, “This first year has been about laying a solid foundation for a Ministry of Interior that is more effective, efficient, and responsive to the needs of all Nigerians. I must emphasise that this is just the beginning. We have come this far not because of any one individual, but because of the collective effort of the dedicated men and women within this Ministry, the support of Mr. President, and our unwavering commitment to serve Nigeria.
“We are committed to continuing these reforms and expanding our reach to ensure that every Nigerian, both home and abroad, benefits from a secure, efficient, and modernised Ministry of Interior. As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our mission to deliver on the promises of the Renewed Hope Agenda. The transformation we have started will continue to unfold, and I have no doubt that the best is yet to come.”
