By Frank Momoh
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, over the weekend unfolded a renewed hope strategic map encapsulated on leveraging advanced technology: biometrics, artificial intelligence, open data and advanced surveillance systems, to enhance Nigeria’s internal security and operational efficiency across its various departments and agencies for enhanced service delivery.
This initiative, he added includes the integration of digital tools and platforms to streamline administrative processes, improve data management, and facilitate real-time intelligence sharing among security agencies.
The Minister made the declaration at a three-day top management retreat that was held from 24th to 26th May, 2024, in Abuja, he stressed that the Ministry aims to strengthen capabilities in crime prevention, border control, and emergency response.
The retreat, which brought together senior officers from the Ministry and its agencies, emphasised a result-driven approach to enhance efficiency, security, and innovation across all operations.
Tunji-Ojo reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration and urged staff to adopt a business-minded approach to public administration.
He said: “We must run public administration with the same diligence as private business. This mindset is crucial for driving the excellence we aspire to achieve in our public offices.”
Tunji-Ojo also outlined several key actions to be undertaken. He stressed the critical role of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in protecting national assets and called for a specialised focus on preventing pipeline vandalism and securing educational institutions, among other critical infrastructure.
Addressing the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), the Minister advocated for substantial policy reforms to transform correctional centres. He highlighted the need for policies that protect fundamental human rights and reduce the number of non-violent inmates awaiting trial.
“We must ensure our correctional facilities are truly rehabilitative and aligned with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he stated.
The Minister, further articulated his vision for a holistic improvement across all agencies under the Ministry of Interior. “By the time I’m done as Minister of Interior, I do not want to be remembered only as the Minister of the Nigeria Immigration Service; I want to be remembered as the Minister of Interior,” he stated.
He noted the importance of performance metrics and accountability and urged the management to consistently evaluate their operations against the Ministry’s Scorecard and make necessary adjustments to meet and exceed targets.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Aishetu Gogo Ndayako, reinforced the Ministry’s dedication to these strategic initiatives. “Our mission is to translate the President’s vision for a safer Nigeria into actionable steps,” she said.
Ndayako, also called for a collaborative approach, urging all participants to engage fully, share insights, and commit to innovative solutions. She concluded by stressing the importance of integrity and excellence in public service.
“Our actions have a direct impact on the safety and well-being of our nation. We must lead by example and uphold the highest standards of integrity,” she said.
The retreat ended with a strong resolve to implement the various strategies proposed and improve service delivery, to ensure a safer and more secure Nigeria for all citizens.
According to her, the retreat was to assess the various agencies and align their mandates with the vision of President Tinubu through Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
She asserted: “We are gathered today to demonstrate a commitment to bring the vision for a safer and secured Nigeria federation.
“The ministry and its agencies play a vital in role the internal security ecosystem of Nigeria. We strive to ensure the safety and security of Nigeria in an ever evolving and complex global landscape.
“The challenges we face are formidable but so too is our collective resolve to confront them with unwavering determination and strategic foresight.
“During our time together at this retreat we have a unique opportunity to discuss strategies to forestall intelligence sharing and collaboration.
“To leverage on technology and innovation, to enhance workforce development and to access our current challenges and more importantly to strategise for the future.”
According to the Permanent Secretary, it is essential that top management staff of the Ministry approach retreat with open minds and in the spirit of collaboration and a shared commitment to excellence and as top management staff and senior officers we must live by example.
She added: “We must uphold the highest standard of integrity and demonstrate a relentless pursuit of excellence in all that we do our decision and actions have far reaching implications impacting the safety and security of Nigeria.
“We urge each of you to engage fully in our discussion to share your insights and expertise and to align with the Minister’s vision to change conventional thinking and to explore innovative solutions to the complex security challenges that we face.
“Let us embrace diversity of thoughts foster a culture of inclusivity and leverage the collective resolve and experience of our diversities and together we have the opportunities to shape the future of our agencies and to strengthen our national security posture and uphold the values and principles that defines us as defenders of our nation’s security.
“Let us embark on this retreat with a sense of purpose unity and determination to lead the Ministry and its agencies to new heights of success and impacts.
“At the end of this retreat we should be able to chat the course for the ministry and its agencies to enhance its capacity to safeguard our nation’s security.
“Our minister is Mr. Capable. He proffers solutions to challenges we have no excuses. We must deliver results.”