Abuja, Nigeria – In a surprising move, Hon. Tunji Ojo, the Minister of Interior, paid an unannounced visit to the Gwagwalada Immigration Office. The visit comes in the wake of growing concerns about long wait times and unequal treatment of Nigerians seeking to enrol for international passports.
The minister’s unexpected arrival on Tuesday has gone viral, sparking conversations on social media about the inefficiencies within the immigration service. Upon entering the office, Ojo noted the backlog of applicants waiting for their turns, visibly frustrated by the slow pace of operations.
During his interactions with the staff, he questioned why the enrolment process appeared to be stalled. “How long does this enrolment take?” he asked, to which an official responded, “Like three minutes.” The minister then scrutinised the numbers, indicating that with only seven enrolments completed by 9:26 a.m., the efficiency was far below acceptable standards.
“Until after the enrolment, you should allow other people to capture their data simultaneously. This will help lessen the burden and waiting time,” he urged the officials, highlighting an apparent disconnect between the staff’s workflow and the urgent needs of the public.
Expressing concern over the apparent preferential treatment given to a few individuals, Ojo pointedly remarked, “When you wear this uniform, you wear a uniform of sacrifice. We are here to work for the people.” His remarks resonated deeply, as he expressed that the responsibility of officials is not only to serve but to do so diligently and equitably.
The atmosphere was charged as he challenged the staff regarding the prioritisation of “VIP” customers over the masses. “Why is this place favouring VIP children while ordinary Nigerians are left to wait downstairs?” he questioned, calling it “unacceptable.”
Ojo’s visit serves as a stark reminder that time is indeed money, especially for those who take time off work for the enrolment process. “Some of these people need to go to work. If you can operate a division of labour efficiently, why must you make people wait?” he pressed, highlighting a basic expectation of service effectiveness.
The unscheduled visit not only revealed operational shortcomings but also sparked a vital conversation about accountability and the essence of public service. With the minister’s firm stance for reform, there is hope for a more efficient, responsive immigration system that respects and serves all Nigerians equally.
Ojo’s intervention has given voice to countless citizens who have shared frustrations over the bureaucratic hurdles within the immigration process. As discussions continue online, many are calling for lasting changes to ensure that such delays become a thing of the past.
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