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Ministry of Interior generated over N6.2 bn revenue last year, says Minister

Ministry of Interior generated over N6.2 bn revenue last year, says Minister
…1,836,533 Passports Issued, 828 foreigners repatriated, 137 victims of trafficking intercepted
By: Michael Mike
Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has revealed that his ministry was able to contribute over N6 billion into the nation’s revenue during the 2024 fiscal year.
The minister made this disclosure during a media chat on the achievements of his minister during last year.
Tunji-Ojo who specifically gave N6,034,457,000 as the total revenue made with expatriate quota alone accruing about N3,220,035,000, marriages contributed N2,409,282,000 billion; citizenship and places of worship had N392,790,000 billion and N12,350,000 million respectively.
He noted that the increase was over 150 per cent from the previous year.
He acknowledged that the blockage and stoppage of revenue leakages through automation of processes was responsible for the lift, adding that now foreign applicants who applied for Nigerian citizenship are genuinely scrutinised before being granted their application.
He said: “The ministry inaugurated Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Champions/Reform Team who have successfully worked with Ease of Doing Business Secretariat (EBES) to harmonise and update records on the National Action Plan (NAP 7.0) reform initiatives which include: enforce service level agreement (SLA) for business permit application; enforce timeline for business permit application; enforce SLA timeline for expatriate quota (EQ) applications; enforce timeline for EQ applications.”
He added that the ministry has
commenced full operations in the newly-established Federal Marriage Registries in the following states: Jalingo, Taraba State; Akure, Ondo State; Ibadan, Oyo State; Makurdi, Benue State; Asaba, Delta State and Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The minister said the ministry is currently implementing the Performance Management System (PMS) which is one of the six pillars of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP2021-2025)—–a strategy that drives the first medium term plan, 2021-2025 of the Nigeria Agenda 2050 holistic reforms of the civil service.
“The PMS is a framework used to evaluate, manage and improve the employee performance in alignment with the National Service and mandate while innovating means and measures to achieving ministry’s mandate also” he explained.
The agencies under the Ministry of interior include, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Fire Service (NFS), Nigeria Immigration Service and National Identification Management Commission (NIMC) were involved in restructuring with
about 8,283 men and officers recruited into the NIS and the NSCDC in 2023, while 2,500 officers were recruited into the FFS in 2024.
The Minister said: “A key part of the ministry that has to do with the public is the department we call C and B. That is, Citizenship and Business. One of the first things we realised about the department is that the revenue generated wasn’t up to what is expected. So, the first thing we have to do is to create a process of optimising and automising it.”
The minister revealed that the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has issued 1,836,533 passports and repatriated 828 foreigners between January and December 2024.
Tunji-Ojo nited that other achievements recorded in the same period included the clearance of a backlog of over 200,000 passport application within three weeks in year 2024
“Then, of course, combating irregular migration is a major issue. In the last one year, 137 victims of trafficking were intercepted in 2024 and 42 objects of struggling, of migrants were also intercepted.
“828 foreigners were repatriated in 2024 by the Nigerian Immigration Service.
“Of course, when we came on board, we met a backlog of over 200,000 passports, you know, and in record time, in less than three weeks, we were able to clear that.
“In 2024, the Nigeria Immigration Service also issued 1,836,533,”he said.
In the realm of border security, the minister announced the completion of the first phase of the e-border solution, covering 40 per cent of the nation’s borders.
Tunji-Ojo said that secured borders ensure a safe nation adding that newly acquired vehicles and e-gates have been deployed to improve border management.
He also spoke about innovations in visa processing, including the establishment of a Visa Approval Center in Abuja and the integration of Interpol’s database for profiling applicants.
“This ensures only eligible individuals gain entry into Nigeria while strengthening national security,” he said.
The minister also spoke about reforms in granting Nigerian citizenship, which now involved a rigorous verification process in collaboration with security agencies.
“Becoming a Nigerian citizen today is a more transparent and technology-driven process. This ensures integrity without creating unnecessary bureaucracy,” he maintained..
Looking ahead, Tunji-Ojo pledged continued reforms, including improving operational efficiency and leveraging technology to meet national security and administrative goals.
“We are not yet where we want to be, but progress has been made, and we remain committed to delivering better services to Nigerians.
Tunji-Ojo said that the President, Bola Tinubu’s vision of a secure, innovative, and efficient system was being realised through these reforms. Nigerians deserve a system that works for them.
The interior minister at the parley provided a detailed account of accomplishments across the ministry and all its six agencies.
Ministry of Interior generated over N6.2 bn revenue last year, says Minister
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Embrace peace-building via education – CDS tells youth

Embrace peace-building via education – CDS tells youth
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has called on Nigerian youths to embrace peace-building through education and social media.
He, however, ddescribed Nigerian youth as the country’s most potent force against violent extremism, terrorism, and insurgency.
Musa made the call while addressing a students, civil society organisations, traditional leaders and security officials at a Multi-sector conference on countering extremism ideology and insurgency on Saturday in Maiduguri.
The event was organised by the Kaltu Foundation for Peace, Network of Civil Society Organisation.
The event which focused on “Building Resilience Against Violent Extremism Through Youth Engagement and Civic Dialogue,” featured the unveiling of a new book.
The book is titled Stand Against Violence, Terrorism, and Extremism: An Admonition to Nigerian Youths, co-authored by Gen. Musa and other senior defence stakeholders.
In his keynote address, the Defence Chief emphasised that the burden of national security and peace cannot rest solely on the military, stressing that “the future of Nigeria lies in the hands of its youth.
“If we want to defeat insurgency, it is the youth that will do it. If we want to prevent violent extremism and reclaim our schools, our homes and our dignity, it is the youth that must lead the charge,” Musa declared.
Drawing from his personal military experience in the region, Gen. Musa reflected on his service in the North-East as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai and Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force, stressing the resilience of the people and the importance of civic support to military success.
He thanked the people of Borno for their sustained cooperation with the armed forces, adding that the current military leadership under Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar as “capable and committed.
“Nation building is a continuous, painstaking, and tireless effort, especially for patriotic and well-meaning Nigerians like you,” he said. “We must not relent.
“Things are improving. With your support, we will achieve total peace,” he said.
Speaking on the power of information in the digital age, Musa warned against the misuse of social media platforms by extremist elements, calling on the youth to use technology to promote peace, unity, and truth.
“Social media today does not merely shape opinions, it influences behaviour, identity, and belief systems.
“We must repurpose it as a tool for civic education, truth-telling, countering disinformation, and supporting our security forces,” the CDS said.
He urged students and youth to become “ambassadors of peace,” leveraging peer influence and community engagement to challenge radical ideologies and reclaim their spaces from those who sow division and hatred.
“Let us start a new movement. A movement of young Nigerians committed to rebuilding their communities through values that reflect our collective national identity – peace, unity, truth, and purpose,” Musa said.
The CDS, however, expressed optimism that the publication would become a key resource in educational and security institutions, saying he welcomed reviews and constructive criticism.
“There are no perfect solutions to the complex issues we face but through multilateral collaboration and thoughtful dialogue, we can sharpen our strategies and outpace the ever-evolving tactics of non-state actors,” he added.
Musa also paid tribute to the Borno government, traditional rulers, scholars and members of the academic and civil society for what he described as their “unwavering commitment to peace.”
The event was attended by top officials from the military, Borno Government, Network of Civil Society Organisations, youth groups, and students from tertiary institutions across the North-East.
Embrace peace-building via education – CDS tells youth
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Two arrested over beating death of teenager over missing phone in Yobe

Two arrested over beating death of teenager over missing phone in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Two young men have been arrested in Ngalda town, Fika Local Government Area of Yobe State, for allegedly beating an 18-year-old boy, Abbas Zakari, to death over a missing phone and power bank.
Zagazola gathered from sources that the incident occurred on Friday, June 27, at about 5:00 p.m., when the suspects, identified as Musa Sale, 25, and Muntari Suleiman, 23, accused the deceased of stealing two mobile phones (an Android and a keypad model) and a power bank.
According to a relative, Hussaini Zakari, who reported the matter to the police, the suspects apprehended Abbas in Potiskum, where he had reportedly gone to sell the items, and recovered the handsets from him.
Instead of handing him over to the police upon returning to Ngalda, the suspects allegedly took matters into their own hands and severely beat the teenager with sticks.
The victim was rushed to the General Hospital in Fika by police officers, but was confirmed dead on arrival by a medical doctor. His remains were released to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
The suspects have since been arrested and have reportedly confessed to the assault during preliminary interrogation.
Police say the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and prosecution.
Two arrested over beating death of teenager over missing phone in Yobe
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Tinubu Commissions Locally Made Electric Vehicles in Nasarawa

Tinubu Commissions Locally Made Electric Vehicles in Nasarawa
By: Michael Mike
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially commissioned indigenous electric vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles in Nasarawa State,
This marks an important milestone in Nigeria’s transition to sustainable transportation.
The event, which also featured the launch of several legacy infrastructure projects, showcased the commitment of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration to innovation and environmental sustainability.

The commissioning ceremony signifies the formal establishment and operation of electric vehicle technology in the state—an initiative aligned with President Tinubu’s national policy on sustainable transportation.
Governor Sule revealed plans to empower residents across Nasarawa with electric vehicles, a move aimed at easing transportation challenges and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Electric Motor Vehicle Company (EMVC), Prince Mustapha Audu, expressed gratitude to both President Tinubu and Governor Sule for supporting local innovation and embracing the future of transportation.
Audu described EMVC as one of Nigeria’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers, with branches in other states. He commended Governor Sule for pioneering the future of mobility in Nasarawa, noting the global shift towards electric vehicles, especially as many countries move to phase out compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles by 2030.
He said: “We have SUVs that can travel 1,200 km per charge, and sedan models suitable for ride-hailing services with a 400 km range. We also have locally made tricycles and motorcycles—popularly known as Igwe—that are affordable and built for Nigerian roads.”
Highlighting innovation in infrastructure, Audu explained that the vehicles will be supported by solar-powered charging stations. “Our charging stations can power three vehicles simultaneously without relying on the national grid or generators. We plan to increase them to five stations shortly,” he stated.
He explained that with just ₦5,000, vehicle owners can fully charge their cars depending on battery capacity.
He said the electric vehicles are powered by lithium batteries designed to reduce carbon emissions and enhance clean energy usage. To support long-term adoption, EMVC is also setting up battery assembly lines, EV repair centers, and training hubs across the state.
He further said: “Each electric vehicle comes with a minimum two-year warranty,” noting that: “Unlike traditional vehicles with over 25,000 components, electric vehicles have fewer than 300 parts—most of which are cosmetic. This greatly reduces maintenance costs and complexity.”
He emphasized that common issues will mostly be electrical, and the company already has trained technicians on the ground, with plans to train more as demand grows.
Audu acknowledged challenges such as poor road conditions and climate, but assured that the vehicles were designed with Nigerian realities in mind.

He expressed confidence in the durability of the locally manufactured electric vehicles, tricycles, and motorcycles, urging Nigerians to embrace the cleaner, cheaper alternative to transportation.
Tinubu Commissions Locally Made Electric Vehicles in Nasarawa
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