…Unveils action plan for ministry
By MEYIMI OKAURU
The Minister of Interior, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Friday assured of new action plans of reforms in Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) that will ensure Nigerians are treated with respect and dignity even as he said bottlenecks associated with passport collections will be unbuckled.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Minister, Mr. Alao Babatunde, made the disclosure in the Minister’s video broadcast, on Friday, said he (Minister) reaffirmed his commitment to executing the “Renewed Hope Agenda,” of President Bola Tinubu.
He added that a transformative plan aimed at revamping immigration services, correctional service centers, and other crucial areas within the ministry will be put in place.
Acknowledging the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Tunji-Ojo expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve and vowed to uphold the responsibilities entrusted to him.
He said his focus would be on ensuring that the government’s promises translate into meaningful action, making a positive impact on the lives of Nigerians.
“We wish to appreciate President Tinubu for the opportunity to service.” he said.
“We will do all that we can, all that are within our capacity, to ensure that we do not disappoint him, in terms of the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
In addressing challenges relating to Nigeria Immigration Services, the Minister highlighted his determination to enhance the experience of Nigerians seeking to register and obtain passports for various purposes.
“I would like to assure Nigerians of our desire to proceed with reforms in our immigration service, such that Nigerians can be treated with respect, and that we get to unbuckle all bottlenecks of passport collections —and see other issues associated with immigration services in general, are under control.”
Tunji-Ojo underscored the imperative of reforming correctional service centers.
On prison services, he said his administration would see towards alleviating congestion in prisons as well as providing inmates with the opportunity for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
“I also would like to give assurance that under the leadership of President Tinubu, we would do everything humanly possible to making reforms to our correctional service centers, such as the de-congestion of our prison centers and of course, with beaming life, and help inmates to ensure proper re-integration into the society.”
Also, commenting on proposed reforms for the fire services, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Olubunmi Akintade emphasized the urgency of enhancing response times to emergencies.
“We would do everything within our power as a ministry to ensure that there are key reforms in our fire service centers, turn around the response time of our fire service to under fifteen minutes.”
The commitment further reflects the administration’s recognition of the critical role played by the fire service in safeguarding citizens and infrastructure.
On prioritizing the protection of national assets and facilities, the minister pledged to ensure the effective protection of national infrastructure by the Nigerian Civil Defense.
The Minister’s commitment to improving immigration services, correctional facilities, emergency response, and infrastructure protection reflects the administration’s vision for a more secure, efficient, and prosperous Nigeria.
“We will ensure that in terms of protection of national infrastructures —beautiful national infrastructure, the Nigerian civil defense should please respond to ensuring that our beautiful national infrastructures are well protected.
“We would also like to assure Nigerians that under my leadership in the ministry of interior would not rest on our promise of taking a clue from the zeal, determination, and commitment of the President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we would ensure that the renewed hope finds its foot in the ministry of interior, and Nigerians will be proud of this administration,” he assured.
