- 1.83 million passports issued, 828 foreigners repatriated, 137 victims of trafficking rescued
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced that the ministry generated over N6.2 billion in revenue during the 2024 fiscal year, reflecting a significant increase of more than 150% from the previous year.
Speaking at a media briefing on the ministry’s achievements, the minister disclosed that revenue was primarily derived from various services, including expatriate quotas, marriages, citizenship applications, and approvals for places of worship. Specifically, he detailed the revenue breakdown as follows:
- Expatriate quotas – N3,220,035,000
- Marriage registrations – N2,409,282,000
- Citizenship applications – N392,790,000
- Places of worship approvals – N12,350,000
Key Achievements in 2024
Enhanced Revenue Collection & Process Automation
The minister attributed the significant revenue growth to the automation of key processes, which eliminated revenue leakages. He emphasized that the ministry has enhanced scrutiny measures for foreign applicants seeking Nigerian citizenship, ensuring only qualified individuals are granted approval.
As part of these reforms, the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Champions/Reform Team was inaugurated. The team successfully collaborated with the Ease of Doing Business Secretariat (EBES) to implement key reforms, including:
- Enforcing Service Level Agreements (SLA) for business permit applications
- Establishing strict timelines for processing expatriate quota applications
- Enhancing efficiency in handling business-related applications
Expansion of Federal Marriage Registries
The Ministry also expanded Federal Marriage Registries across several states, including:
- Jalingo, Taraba State
- Akure, Ondo State
- Ibadan, Oyo State
- Makurdi, Benue State
- Asaba, Delta State
- Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
Performance Management System (PMS) Implementation
Tunji-Ojo revealed that the ministry has adopted the Performance Management System (PMS)—one of the six pillars of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 2021-2025). This framework is aimed at optimizing employee performance, aligning national service objectives, and modernizing civil service operations.
Immigration & Border Security Reforms
Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Operations
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) recorded notable achievements in 2024, including:
- 1,836,533 passports issued
- 828 foreigners repatriated
- Clearance of a 200,000-passport backlog within three weeks
- Interception of 137 victims of human trafficking
- Rescue of 42 irregular migrants
E-Border Security System Implementation
The minister announced the completion of Phase 1 of the e-border security project, covering 40% of Nigeria’s borders. This initiative includes:
- Deployment of newly acquired surveillance vehicles and e-gates
- Integration of Interpol’s database for visa applicant screening
- Establishment of a Visa Approval Center in Abuja to streamline visa processing
Human Resource & Institutional Strengthening
In a bid to enhance the capacity of agencies under the Ministry of Interior, 10,783 officers were recruited in 2023 and 2024, including:
- 8,283 officers for the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
- 2,500 officers for the Federal Fire Service (FFS)
Reforms in Nigerian Citizenship Applications
Tunji-Ojo also highlighted key reforms in the citizenship application process, emphasizing greater transparency and technology-driven verification in collaboration with security agencies.
“Becoming a Nigerian citizen today is a more transparent process, ensuring integrity while eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks,” he stated.
Commitment to Continued Reforms
Looking ahead, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving operational efficiency, leveraging technology for national security, and enhancing public service delivery.
“We are not yet where we want to be, but significant progress has been made. Nigerians deserve a system that works for them, and under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, we are committed to delivering an efficient, secure, and innovative system.”
The media briefing provided a comprehensive overview of the Ministry of Interior’s achievements and its ongoing efforts to enhance national security, revenue generation, and service delivery.
