By Francis Wilfred
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transformative reforms aimed at improving efficiency, strengthening internal security, and ensuring measurable results across public institutions.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, gave the assurance during a high-level session at the International Civil Service Conference themed “Reforms, Resilience and Results,” where he stressed the need for innovation, accountability, and strategic governance in public service.
According to a press release by Mrs Mary Ali, Head, Press and Public Relations stated that the minister identified excessive bureaucracy and redundant procedures as major obstacles to progress in the public sector, warning that overly complex systems continue to hinder efficiency and effective service delivery.
According to him, simplifying administrative processes is critical to unlocking innovation, improving institutional performance, and delivering better outcomes for Nigerians.
“Complexity is the enemy of progress,” Tunji-Ojo said, noting that public institutions must evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
He stressed that in the 21st century, there is no room for outdated practices in governance, adding that citizens now expect visible and measurable results rather than repeated explanations.
The minister said public trust in government officials must be matched by transparency, accountability, and strong performance, emphasizing that reforms must translate into tangible benefits for the people.
He also commended civil servants in the Ministry of Interior for their dedication and professionalism, describing them as key contributors to the progress recorded within the ministry.
Speaking further on the conference theme, the minister outlined the ministry’s reform strategy, explaining that successful reforms begin with a clear understanding of existing challenges.
He said effective reform efforts must address three critical questions — understanding the present reality, defining the desired outcome, and mapping out the process of transition through structured interventions.
Tunji-Ojo warned that many reforms fail because of poor diagnosis of problems, which often leads to ineffective or misplaced solutions.
“You cannot solve a problem you do not understand,” he said, stressing the importance of data-driven analysis, practical knowledge, and strategic thinking in addressing governance and internal security challenges.
He also called for a shift in governance culture, urging public servants to move away from emotional attachment to outdated systems and embrace innovation as a pathway to improved public administration.
Reaffirming the Ministry of Interior’s role in protecting Nigeria’s internal security architecture, the minister assured Nigerians of continued efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, improve operational efficiency, and deliver impactful results in line with national priorities.
