Interior ministry generated ₦6bn in 2024, says minister

The Ministry of Interior has announced that it generated ₦6bn in revenue in 2024, a 50% increase compared to the previous year.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this announcement during a media parley in Abuja on Tuesday.

The revenue was sourced from various activities, “Including ₦3.2bn from expatriate quota applications, ₦2.4bn from marriage registrations, ₦392 million from citizenship applications, and ₦12 million from places of worship,” the minister stated.

Tunji-Ojo clarified that the funds from expatriate quotas are derived from application fees rather than approvals, addressing concerns about an influx of foreigners into the country.

“This is an application revenue as a product of requisition, not necessarily approval,” he noted.

The minister attributed the revenue boost to the ministry’s optimisation efforts and expressed confidence in surpassing this figure in 2025.

“So 2025, we also have our targets, and of course, with the optimisation of our solutions, we are sure that we will be able to perform better,” he added.

He emphasised that the ministry is leveraging reforms and technology to improve efficiency across its departments.

Tunji-Ojo also praised the work of the ministry’s agencies, including the Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Fire Service, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, for their contributions to achieving these milestones.

He highlighted the government’s commitment to continuing its progress in the coming year.

ADVERTISEMENT

The minister also pointed to improvements in citizenship verification and business permit processes.

The new system for vetting foreign nationals seeking Nigerian citizenship now integrates advanced technology and close cooperation with security agencies, ensuring a thorough process while reducing unnecessary bureaucracy.

Furthermore, the ministry has automated the issuance of business permits and expatriate quotas, resulting in faster processing times and improved service delivery.

Tunji-Ojo reiterated the government’s goal of creating a more business-friendly environment, stressing that Nigeria is now “open for business.”

The minister added that “in 2023, the ministry promoted 32,640 officers, completing the promotion cycle within the same calendar year for the first time since 1986.

“By 2024, 20,851 officers were promoted, clearing a backlog that had persisted for years.”

The minister stated that “As of January 2025, there were no more backlogs,” signalling a shift towards more timely and equitable promotions.

On disciplinary matters, “118 cases across the Nigerian Correctional Service, Federal Fire Service, and NSCDC were addressed in 2024.”

Tunji-Ojo reiterated the ministry’s zero-tolerance policy for indiscipline, underscoring that there is no place for unethical behaviour in the ministry’s operations.

He noted the importance of ethics and accountability, stating that officers are expected to adhere to a high standard of conduct.

“This is about service. It’s about serving the people. It’s about being responsible and being responsive to the people.,” he said.

The ministry also made strides in modernising its operations, particularly within the NSCDC. Investments were made in operational vehicles, armed convoys, and advanced technology, including systems designed to combat oil theft.

Furthermore, the ministry has cracked down on non-compliant private security firms, with 450 cases prosecuted for failing to meet regulatory standards.

In the Federal Fire Service, significant upgrades have been made to training facilities, positioning its academy as one of the leading institutions in Africa.

Efforts to update the Fire Service Act of 1966 are underway, with plans to transform the agency into both a regulator and operator capable of meeting modern demands.

Tunji-Ojo emphasised that these reforms are part of a broader effort to modernise the ministry and align its agencies with the needs of the 21st century.

He stressed that these changes are not only about improving service delivery but also about building institutions that reflect the evolving needs of Nigerians.