The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has declared that Nigeria is increasingly better positioned to confront prevailing security challenges, following renewed directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo made the assertion on Thursday during an unscheduled visit to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT Command and the Federal Fire Service (FFS) station in Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. The visit formed part of a wider surveillance and on-the-spot assessment tour of paramilitary agencies under the ministry.
The Minister said President Tinubu had issued a clear marching order to strengthen all agencies under the Interior Ministry to ensure optimal security delivery across the country.
“The President is putting all hands on deck to ensure that we have a safe Nigeria. Safety and security is a work in progress, and we are doing a lot. The NSCDC has a major role to play in this regard,” he said.
During an inspection of the ongoing construction of the NSCDC FCT Command training ground, Dr. Tunji-Ojo commended the Corps and collaborating agencies for taking proactive steps to boost personnel readiness in combating insecurity.
“Paramilitary service is about constant and effective training. The FCT Command seems to be up and doing, and I am impressed with the training facility being developed here. It shows forward thinking and preparedness for the security challenges of the future,” he noted.
He emphasized the need for continuous training, retraining, and investment in capacity building to ensure officers remain effective and responsive to national security demands.
The Minister further assured that the Federal Government will continue to provide strong institutional support for paramilitary agencies, saying: “The President has given us all the support. As Minister, it is my responsibility to extend that support to all agencies, and that is why I am here.”
Dr. Tunji-Ojo also charged officers to perform their duties with professionalism, efficiency, and full respect for fundamental human rights.
“Security is life. Nigerians rely on them, and Mr. President trusts them to deliver on internal security and the protection of critical national assets,” he said, expressing confidence that the agencies will rise to the task.
He revealed that the Ministry will sustain unscheduled visits to paramilitary formations nationwide to monitor service quality.
“We want to see things the way they are. A good service is not good enough for Nigerians only the best is acceptable,” he stated.
However, the Minister expressed dissatisfaction with the state of infrastructure and operational readiness at the Federal Fire Service Wuse station.
“I have expressed my concerns, and I will take up these issues with the Controller General. The Fire Service is a rescue agency and must be prepared at all times. These lapses must never happen again,” he warned.
Tunji-Ojo assured that corrective action would be taken to prevent a recurrence, reiterating the government’s commitment to strengthening emergency response systems across the country.
