The Ministry of Interior has reported a significant revenue boost for 2024, generating ₦6 billion, 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 impressive 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.
Tunji-Ojo clarified that the funds collected from expatriate quotas stem from application fees, not approvals, addressing concerns over the possible influx of foreign nationals into the country.
“This is an application revenue as a product of requisition, not necessarily approval,” he explained.
The minister attributed the revenue increase to the ministry’s ongoing optimisation efforts and expressed confidence that the figure would be surpassed in 2025, with a focus on continuing to enhance efficiency.
“We have our targets for 2025, and with the optimisation of our solutions, we are certain that we will perform even better,” Tunji-Ojo remarked.
Tunji-Ojo also highlighted the role of reforms and technology in streamlining the ministry’s operations, emphasising that the ministry is committed to improving service delivery across its various departments.
He commended the work of key agencies, including the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Fire Service (FFS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), for their contributions to the revenue growth.
Looking ahead, the minister pointed out advancements in citizenship verification and business permit processes.
The ministry has implemented a new system for vetting foreign nationals applying for Nigerian citizenship, which integrates advanced technology and close collaboration with security agencies, ensuring a thorough process while reducing bureaucratic delays.
Additionally, the automated issuance of business permits and expatriate quotas has led to faster processing times and improved efficiency.
“Nigeria is now open for business,” Tunji-Ojo declared, underscoring the government’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment.
In terms of personnel matters, the Ministry of Interior has made significant strides in clearing promotion backlogs. In 2023, 32,640 officers were promoted, completing the promotion cycle within the same calendar year for the first time since 1986.
In 2024, a further 20,851 officers were promoted, eliminating a longstanding backlog. As of January 2025, there were no more promotion backlogs, signalling a shift towards timely and equitable personnel management.
The minister also addressed disciplinary issues within the ministry, stating that 118 cases of indiscipline across the NCoS, FFS, and NSCDC were resolved in 2024.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s zero-tolerance policy for unethical behaviour, stressing that officers must adhere to high standards of conduct.
“This is about service. It’s about serving the people. It’s about being responsible and responsive to the people,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
The ministry has also made progress in modernising its operations, particularly within the NSCDC.
Significant investments have been made in operational vehicles, armed convoys, and cutting-edge technology to tackle issues such as oil theft.
Additionally, the ministry has taken a firm stance against non-compliant private security firms, with 450 cases prosecuted for failing to meet regulatory standards.
In the Federal Fire Service, upgrades to training facilities have positioned its academy as one of the leading institutions in Africa.
Efforts are also underway to amend the Fire Service Act of 1966, with plans to transform the agency into both a regulator and operator capable of meeting modern challenges.
Tunji-Ojo concluded by emphasising that these reforms are part of a broader effort to modernise the Ministry of Interior and ensure its agencies are better equipped to serve the evolving needs of Nigerians in the 21st century.
