Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the successful clearance of over 200,000 unprocessed passport applications since assuming office, alongside the repayment of ₦28 billion in legacy debts without additional federal funding. Speaking at the Access Bank Guest Lecture Series (GLS) in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Monday, the minister outlined his vision for innovation-driven governance and urgent reforms, particularly in Nigeria’s correctional system.
Delivering a keynote address themed “Dare to Dream, Dare to Innovate,” Tunji-Ojo drew on his background as an ethical hacker to emphasize proactive leadership. “Leadership is about foreseeing and solving problems before they occur,” he said, urging leaders to define their purpose, execution strategy, and timing. He highlighted the Ministry’s transformation through system integration, technology innovation, and financial self-sufficiency, including the introduction of e-visa platforms, contactless passport renewals for the diaspora, advanced passenger information systems, and a Tier-4 data centre for 24/7 immigration services.
Addressing Nigeria’s correctional system, Tunji-Ojo described the detention of over 4,000 inmates for inability to pay fines as low as ₦50,000 as a “moral crisis.” “A society that punishes poverty more harshly than crime has lost its moral compass,” he stated. The Ministry has partnered with private donors to secure releases and is implementing reforms like digital case tracking, vocational training, and public-private partnerships to prioritize rehabilitation over punishment. “A correctional facility must correct, not condemn,” he added.
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings PLC, praised Tunji-Ojo’s clarity and decisive leadership, noting that “innovation is about big thinking, not big budgets.” He emphasized that the GLS aims to foster dialogue on leadership, accountability, and service, positioning Access Bank as a platform for national transformation.
Tunji-Ojo concluded by urging Nigerians to adopt a philosophy of excellence. “Let Nigeria not just be a country of potential, but a nation of performance,” he said, calling for the nation to “refine its genius” and deliver tangible results. The event, attended by executives, policymakers, and thought leaders, underscored Access Bank’s commitment to driving impactful change through collaboration and vision.
