The Ministry of Interior has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to improve public communication of government reforms and policies.
Speaking while receiving the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Hon. Mohammed Idris, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, the Minister of Interior, Hon. (Dr.) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, emphasized the importance of coordinated communication in promoting transparency and ensuring Nigerians are well informed about government initiatives.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo highlighted several key reforms implemented under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in passport services, border security and identity management.
He disclosed that the Ministry cleared a backlog of over 204,000 passport applications within two and a half weeks, introduced a contactless passport renewal system for Nigerians in the diaspora, and established Nigeria’s first centralized passport personalization Centre in Abuja to strengthen passport security.
The Minister also noted that Nigeria has joined the ICAO Public Key Directory, allowing Nigerian passports to be verified globally, while Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record systems have been deployed to improve border security.
Other reforms include the introduction of electronic immigration gates at major airports, a digital visa system with 48-hour processing, and expansion of the National Identity database to over 130 million Nigerians.
The Minister emphasized that the achievements recorded across the Ministry of Interior require stronger public awareness and communication. He therefore called for deeper collaboration with the Ministry of Information and National Orientation to ensure Nigerians are fully informed about the reforms and services available to them.
He also invited the Ministry of Information to collaborate on a coordinated communication strategy and undertake a project tour of key facilities under the Ministry of Interior to showcase ongoing reforms.
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation commended the Hon. Minister of Interior for the significant reforms implemented across the agencies under the Ministry, describing the transformation within the Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerian Correctional Service, Federal Fire Service, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps as remarkable.
He noted that aligning government messaging on security developments would help improve Nigeria’s global image, attract foreign investment, and ensure that accurate information about the country’s progress is communicated internationally.
The Minister further announced that Nigeria will host the World Public Relations Forum later this year in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). The event will bring communication professionals from around the world to Nigeria and is expected to further enhance the country’s global image.
He called on the Ministry of Interior to support the event through visa facilitation and protocol arrangements for international delegates.
He concluded by expressing appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Interior for the warm reception and for the transformative work being carried out within the Ministry.
Both Ministers noted that the progress recorded in the last two and a half years reflects a strong commitment to institutional reform and improved service delivery, and agreed to deepen collaboration in strategic communication to ensure that Nigeria’s governance reforms, security improvements and development initiatives are effectively communicated to the world.
“The Ministry of Interior remains committed to supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President and ensuring that our reforms translate into tangible benefits for all Nigerians,” the Minister said.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to work closely with the Ministry of Information and National Orientation in promoting national development.
E-Signed
Mary Ali (Mrs.)
Head, Press & Public Relations
Ministry of Interior
10th March, 2026