Minister announces Interior Ministry generated ₦6bn in 2024

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Minister announces Interior Ministry generated ₦6bn in 2024

The Ministry of Interior has reported generating ₦6 billion in revenue for 2024, marking a 50% increase compared to the previous year.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.

The revenue was generated from various activities, including ₦3.2 billion from expatriate quota applications, ₦2.4 billion from marriage registrations, ₦392 million from citizenship applications, and ₦12 million from places of worship, according to the minister.

Tunji-Ojo clarified that the revenue from expatriate quotas stems from application fees rather than approvals, addressing concerns over a potential influx of foreign nationals into the country. “This is revenue from applications, not necessarily from approvals,” he explained.

The minister attributed the revenue increase to the ministry’s optimization efforts and expressed confidence that the figure will be surpassed in 2025. “We have set targets for 2025, and with the ongoing optimization of our systems, we are confident we can perform even better,” he added.

Tunji-Ojo highlighted the ministry’s use of reforms and technology to improve efficiency across its departments. He also commended the efforts of various agencies, including the Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Fire Service, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, in contributing to the revenue growth.

The minister also pointed to improvements in the processes for citizenship verification and business permits. The new system for vetting foreign nationals applying for Nigerian citizenship now incorporates advanced technology and strong collaboration with security agencies to ensure a comprehensive process while reducing bureaucratic delays. Additionally, the automation of business permit and expatriate quota issuance has led to faster processing times and enhanced service delivery.

Tunji-Ojo reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment, emphasizing that Nigeria is now “open for business.”

The minister also noted that in 2023, the ministry successfully 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 long-standing backlog. As of January 2025, there are no longer any backlogs, signaling a shift toward more timely and fair promotions.

Regarding disciplinary matters, the minister reported that 118 cases were addressed across the Nigerian Correctional Service, Federal Fire Service, and NSCDC in 2024. Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed the ministry’s zero-tolerance policy for indiscipline, emphasizing that unethical behavior will not be tolerated in the ministry’s operations. “This is about service. It’s about serving the people. It’s about being responsible and responsive to the people,” he said.

The ministry has also made significant strides in modernizing its operations, particularly within the NSCDC. Investments have been made in operational vehicles, armed convoys, and advanced technology, including systems to combat oil theft. Additionally, the ministry has taken action against non-compliant private security firms, prosecuting 450 cases for failing to meet regulatory standards.

The Federal Fire Service has also undergone major improvements, with upgrades to its training facilities and the development of its academy, positioning it as one of the leading institutions in Africa. The ministry is also working on updating the Fire Service Act of 1966, with plans to transform the agency into both a regulator and an operator capable of meeting contemporary needs.

Tunji-Ojo emphasized that these reforms are part of the ministry’s broader effort to modernize its agencies and align them with the demands of the 21st century. He stressed that the goal is not only to improve service delivery but also to build institutions that reflect the evolving needs of Nigerians.

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