Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has sharply rebuked officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) during an unscheduled visit to the passport office in Gwagwalada, Abuja, declaring that delays and inefficiency amount to “wasting people’s precious time.”
In a widely shared video from the visit, the minister is seen confronting officers and questioning lapses in service delivery at the busy passport centre. Tunji-Ojo’s intervention forms part of his broader push to sanitise the passport issuance process, curb sabotage, and restore public confidence in government services.
The surprise inspection immediately sparked strong reactions online, with many Nigerians praising the minister’s hands-on leadership style and insistence on accountability.
One commenter, King Meshach, argued that officers deliberately frustrating passport applications should face disciplinary action. Jacob Obamiyi described the episode as “leadership by example,” while Ava said the minister consistently backs his words with action “for a better Nigeria.”
Several users applauded the use of unscheduled visits as a deterrent against complacency. Nwachukwu Felix noted that surprise inspections would keep officers “on their feet,” a sentiment echoed by Taiwo Olatunbosun, who said such visits ensure civil servants never know when oversight may occur.
In 2025, Tunji-Ojo also visited the Federal Fire Service and Nigerian Correctional Service offices unannounced as part of his oversight functions.
Others focused on governance and institutional reform. Funmi Niyi praised the minister for setting standards through “action, integrity, and accountability,” while Temivic Adebayo said Tunji-Ojo was compelling public servants to be more responsible and responsive.
Expressions of support continued across the comments, with SirHerito describing the visit as a sign of a nation where public officials are alive to their responsibilities, and Sanni Abraham remarking that the minister’s tone showed he was “deadly serious” about reform.
The Interior Ministry has repeatedly stated that delays in passport processing will no longer be tolerated, as the government intensifies oversight of agencies under its supervision.
Tunji-Ojo’s latest visit appears to reinforce that performance, accountability, and service to citizens are no longer optional.
