The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, has reiterated the ministry’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and strategic stakeholder engagement as part of its mandate to deliver public service excellence.
Dr Ajani made the statement during a meeting with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Information Chapel, held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. She stressed the importance of collaboration with professional bodies in enhancing public understanding of government programmes and policies.
Highlighting the ministry’s recent achievements, Dr Ajani pointed to the continued upgrade of Nigeria’s e-passport system and the soon-to-be-launched advanced operational platforms. She also revealed that electronic gates (e-gates) are now operational at international airports, allowing for more seamless entry and exit processes.
“Technology is the way forward. If you refuse to adapt, the world will leave you behind,” she stated, referencing her past efforts in transitioning the Federal Ministry of Transportation to a fully digital platform during her tenure as Permanent Secretary.
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While acknowledging the constraints of limited funding, Dr Ajani maintained that the ministry was committed to delivering impactful results.
“We maximise available resources to achieve excellence. We prioritise initiatives that speak for themselves,” she added.
Reflecting on her leadership philosophy, she said: “I always ask myself, ‘What will I be remembered for?’ It is not just about initiating systems, but about making a difference while we have the opportunity.”
In response, Chairman of the NUJ Federal Information Chapel, Mr Raphael Towoju, praised the Ministry’s leadership for its innovative approach to security and governance. He reaffirmed the Union’s support for publicising government efforts through its flagship publication, Polity Today magazine.
“We are particularly interested in highlighting the milestones of the Ministry of Interior to commemorate the President’s second year in office,” he said.
“Our approach involves spotlighting individual ministries and agencies to showcase achievements that can inspire others.”
The Ministry of Interior, under Dr Ajani’s leadership, continues to champion a culture of innovation, accountability, and inclusive governance across its operations.
