..As FG Consents to Move 29 Prisons
ABUJA – The Minister of Interior, Dr Tunji-Ojo, has stated that his ministry has effectively stopped revenue leaks by automating various processes, resulting in an increase in internally generated revenue (IGR) by more than 150%.
He allocated funds obtained from Expatriate Quota, Marriage Services, Citizenship, and Place of Worship initiatives in 2024, totaling 6,034,457,000.
The minister made this statement during the 2025 Ministerial Press conference in Abuja on Thursday. He mentioned that the federal government has approved the transfer of 29 prisons nationwide, such as those in Ikoyi and Suleja, because of urbanization.
This president has authorized the relocation of 29 individuals. It's not only today that a prison facility was integrated into the marketplace.
The minister discussing the accomplishments of his ministry over the last year stated that they have made certain foreign individuals applying for Nigerian citizenship undergo thorough examination prior to receiving their status as naturalized citizens.
He listed several accomplishments of the four Paramilitary Services, Agencies, Commissions, and a Board under his ministry’s oversight. These include: Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Fire Service (FFS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and Civil Defence, Corrections, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB).
He stated under the Nigerian Correctional Service that his ministry obtained presidential consent for recruiting 5,000 personnel to strengthen the workforce of the Nigerian Correctional Service. Additionally, they received approval to hire 100 nurses and 50 medical doctors aimed at enhancing healthcare services for prisoners. Furthermore, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) medical officers will be assigned to custodial centers. He also mentioned that more than 3,000 senior and junior correctional officers underwent promotions in 2024.
"Between July and December of 2024, approximately 3,030 inmates completed rehabilitation programs focused on various vocational skills such as carpentry, tailoring, poultry farming, fishing, hairstyling, and more," he stated.
He mentioned under NIS that several achievements have been made in border management, including effective monitoring of frontiers; reinforcing the nation’s territory for better national safety, setting up a Command-and-Control Center, implementing the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS)/Passenger Name Record (PNR), and installing electronic gates at international airports, amongst other initiatives.
The minister stated that they have processed more than 200,000 pending passport applications and maintained a steady supply of sufficient passport booklets. Additionally, new passport front offices were set up, along with the introduction of upgraded electronic passports across various embassies overseas.
When addressing the issue of illicit mining operations, he mentioned that the NSCDC Mining Marshals have apprehended 307 individuals, currently managing 215 cases, with 133 prosecutions underway.
As part of the initiative to improve NSCDC operations, theFGhas acquired nearly 100 functionalvehiclesfortheCorps, according to the minister.
The Minister emphasized that the FFS has implemented extensive initiatives to update and improve its firefighting abilities for greater effectiveness.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo stated that the role of the Federal Fire Service extends further than firefighting alone. As primary responders, the government remains dedicated, via the restructuring of the NFA, to provide the service with resources necessary not only to cater to the Nigerian market but also to establish itself as an exporter of rescue expertise across the African continent.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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