The Ministry of Interior recently revealed a significant increase in revenue, reaching ₦6 billion in 2024, marking a 50% rise from the previous year. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this information during a press conference in Abuja. The revenue was derived from various sources, such as expatriate quota applications, marriage registrations, citizenship applications, and places of worship fees.
Tunji-Ojo clarified that the funds from expatriate quotas were generated through application fees, not approvals, addressing concerns about an influx of foreigners. The minister credited the revenue growth to the ministry’s optimization efforts and expressed confidence in surpassing this achievement in 2025. He highlighted the ministry’s commitment to leveraging reforms and technology to enhance efficiency.
Furthermore, Tunji-Ojo commended the ministry’s agencies for their contributions to achieving these milestones, emphasizing the government’s dedication to progress. He also mentioned improvements in citizenship verification and business permit processes, emphasizing a more streamlined and technologically advanced system. The ministry has automated the issuance of business permits and expatriate quotas to expedite processing and enhance service delivery.
Additionally, the minister highlighted advancements in modernizing operations, notably within the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Investments were made in operational vehicles, armed convoys, and advanced technology to combat oil theft. The ministry cracked down on non-compliant private security firms and made significant upgrades to training facilities within the Federal Fire Service.
Efforts are underway to update the Fire Service Act of 1966 to align with modern demands. Tunji-Ojo underscored that these reforms aim to modernize the ministry and its agencies to meet the evolving needs of Nigerians while enhancing service delivery and building institutions that reflect current requirements.