The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced that the Federal Government has cleared over 200,000 unprocessed passport applications since he assumed office. He also revealed that ₦28 billion in inherited debt has been paid off without additional government funding.
Tunji-Ojo made these remarks during the Access Bank Guest Lecture Series held in Lagos on Monday, where he spoke on the theme, “Dare to Dream, Dare to Innovate.” He emphasized the need for bold leadership, systemic reforms, and the strategic use of technology.
“Leadership is not about reacting to problems, but anticipating and addressing them before they emerge. You must always ask: What is your purpose? How will you execute it? And when is the right time to act?” he said.
He outlined how innovation and strategic planning enabled his ministry to tackle longstanding passport backlogs and financial liabilities. Initiatives such as e-visa platforms, contactless passport renewal for Nigerians abroad, and advanced passenger tracking systems have been introduced.
On prison reform, the Minister described Nigeria’s correctional system as deeply flawed, noting that over 4,000 inmates are imprisoned simply because they cannot afford fines as low as ₦50,000.
“This is not a legal crisis; it is a moral one. A society that punishes poverty more harshly than crime has lost its moral compass,” he stated.
To address this, the ministry is partnering with private donors to secure the release of non-violent offenders and is pushing reforms centered on rehabilitation. These include digital case tracking, vocational training for inmates, and improved prison conditions.
“A correctional facility must correct, not condemn. Justice without dignity is injustice in disguise,” Tunji-Ojo said.
Access Holdings Chairman, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, commended the Minister’s approach, noting, “Innovation is not about big budgets, but big thinking. His work exemplifies what true public service looks like.”
The event brought together business leaders, policymakers, and development experts as part of Access Bank’s broader initiative to foster national transformation through dialogue on leadership and service.
In closing, Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to live with purpose and strive for excellence:
“Let Access Bank not just be a financial institution but a philosophy. Let Nigeria not just be a country of potential, but a nation of performance. It is time to refine our genius—not just export it.”
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