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From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
The federal government has taken a major step to crack down on irregular migrants, using an AI-driven tracking system that monitors every traveller who has entered the country over the last decade and locates those who have overstayed their visas.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this in Abuja during the 2026 Sectoral Performance Review Retreat of the ministry, saying that the government now possesses the data to identify and locate those who have overstayed their visas.
Tunji-Ojo emphasised that the ministry must continue to raise its performance standards, noting that previous achievements should serve as motivation rather than a final destination.
“Yesterday belongs to history. What truly defines our future is what we do today. While we have recorded significant milestones, we must continue to raise the bar and pursue greater achievements in delivering efficient services to Nigerians,” he said.
The minister highlighted the unique role of the Ministry of Interior in national governance, stressing that its responsibilities cut across identity management, border administration, correctional services, internal security and citizenship services that directly impact the lives of citizens.
He also commended the Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, for her administrative leadership, strategic coordination and commitment to implementing key performance agreements and institutional reforms within the ministry.
According to him, the ministry’s recent successes are largely attributable to the collaborative efforts of the management team, agency heads and dedicated personnel working to ensure improved operational efficiency and effective policy implementation.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary described the retreat as a critical platform for institutional reflection, performance evaluation and strategic planning aimed at strengthening accountability across the ministry and its agencies.
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In a statement, she noted that the theme of the retreat, “Accountable Leadership: Measuring Impact, Refining Results and Renewing Commitments”, reflects the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that leadership translates into measurable outcomes for citizens.
Ajani said the ministry’s mandate — covering internal security administration, border management, citizenship and migration services — remains central to national stability and socio-economic development.
“Accountability is fundamental to our operations because the work of our agencies touches the lives of millions of Nigerians every day. Our responsibility, therefore, is to ensure that our policies, programmes and reforms deliver measurable improvements in service delivery,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary explained that the ministry has intensified reforms aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, modernising operational systems, enhancing transparency and improving inter-agency collaboration in line with national development priorities.
She further stressed the importance of data-driven performance management, clear key performance indicators and robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks that will enable the ministry to move from activity-based reporting to outcome-based governance.
Ajani also highlighted the role of digital transformation in improving efficiency across identity management systems, border control operations and emergency response coordination, noting that technology-driven reforms will significantly enhance transparency and reduce operational inefficiencies.
While emphasising the importance of systems and technology, she underscored that human capital remains the ministry’s most critical asset, calling for sustained investment in staff development, ethical standards and a merit-based performance culture.
She further called for stronger collaboration with other government institutions, security agencies, sub-national authorities and international partners to strengthen internal security administration and policy coordination.
