Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, has bagged the Leadership Newspaper, Public Service Person of the Year for 2023.

According to organizers of the award, Tunji-Ojo earned the recognition because of his exceptional leadership skills and remarkable achievements within a short span.

According to the leading media house, “For finding his way into the hearts of millions of citizens for whom obtaining or renewing the Nigerian passport had become a nightmare; for his bold, extensive and exceptional reforms tackling the perennial passport booklet debacle at the Nigeria Immigration Service, in less than five weeks into his assumption of office, a stride which earned him the sobriquet “Minister Talk And Do”.

Under the stewardship of Tunji-Ojo, the Ministry of Interior has witnessed a remarkable transformation as his strategic directives led to the clearance of a record-breaking backlog of 204,332 passports within three weeks, a feat unparalleled in the 60-year history of the Nigeria Immigration Service.

Notably, his initiatives also include plans to expedite passport processing timelines, introduce home and office passport delivery services, and implement the principle of reciprocity in international relations to streamline visa procedures.

Furthermore, Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s advocacy for fair compensation for paramilitary officers and his efforts towards establishing a functional pension board for their welfare reflect his commitment to enhancing staff morale and productivity.

His proactive approach towards prison decongestion, by clearing fines and compensations worth N585 million for 4,068 inmates nationwide, showcases his dedication to reforming correctional facilities into centers of rehabilitation.

Additionally, he has spearheaded discussions with stakeholders and international partners to address critical issues like illegal migration and organized crime, while significantly enhancing the operational capacities of various agencies under the Ministry of Interior.