By Engr. Bola Babarinde, Former Chairman, APC South Africa Chapter
Yes, we have been witnessing the great energy brought into the Ministry of Interior by the Hon. Minister, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. His leadership has not only transformed the ministry but has also cascaded down with refreshing impact on all departments under his watch. What is happening today is not just administrative excellence, it is close to magical.
My story, like that of many others, started with a bit of skepticism. There had been news flying around about the wonderful work of this youthful minister, especially regarding the ease of procuring Nigerian passports both at home and in the diaspora. Of course, there are still a few hiccups in places like Brazil and Canada, mainly due to the vast geographical nature of those countries and the locations of our embassies. However, in South Africa where I live, the story is notably different. The system is working on average, though it could still be improved if officers become more responsive.
Recently, I applied for the renewal of my expired passport. Incidentally, I was able to make the payment just two days before the new price regime took effect. The process was quite excruciating because of the heavy traffic on the payment portal, as many Nigerians rushed to beat the deadline. Thankfully, I succeeded. What followed next, however, became a story worth sharing.
After receiving my appointment for capturing at the Alausa Passport Office in Ikeja, Lagos, I arrived to find a well-organized, orderly environment with a touch of professionalism that immediately stood out. I was captured within minutes, no unnecessary delays, no chaos and I left, assuming I would be back weeks later for collection as was customary.
To my utmost surprise, my passport was printed the same day without any special payment or preferential treatment. I had not even bothered to check immediately because I never imagined such efficiency was possible within the system.
Out of curiosity and appreciation, I requested to meet the Passport Control Officer, Mr. Christopher Onajurin a thorough professional, humble, and unassuming gentleman leading the team at Alausa. He obliged me courteously, not even knowing I am a journalist, and we exchanged brief pleasantries.
It became immediately clear that the Ikeja Passport Office is under an able and resourceful leadership. When a system works efficiently, it is because a visionary leader has inspired the team to key into his direction. Mr. Onajurin and his officers have done exactly that, and it is a reflection of the transformation that Minister Tunji-Ojo has initiated from the top.
Indeed, the kind of positive energy we are seeing within the Nigerian Immigration Service today should be sustained. It proves that with the right leadership, professionalism, and accountability, government institutions in Nigeria can deliver world-class service.
Kudos to the entire team at the Alausa Passport Office, and to the leadership of Mr. Christopher Onajurin, an example worth emulating. Above all, commendation must go to Hon. Minister Tunji-Ojo for inspiring a new wave of efficiency and pride in public service. May this positive transformation continue to spread across all sectors of our nation.
This is the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, that we should all be proud of.
