The Concerned Nigerian and Migrants Forum in Italy has praised Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo for his unannounced visit to a passport office in Gwagwalada, describing the move as a significant gesture toward restoring accountability and efficiency in Nigeria’s public service sector.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the advocacy group said the minister’s surprise inspection exemplified proactive leadership and should serve as a model for other government officials.
The forum urged that similar unscheduled visits be extended to Nigerian embassies and consulates worldwide, where many citizens in the diaspora face persistent challenges with passport and consular services.
While welcoming the minister’s domestic initiative, the group highlighted ongoing difficulties reported by Nigerians abroad, including unnecessary delays in application vetting and demands for unofficial extra payments for basic services such as data corrections.
The forum noted that such practices have eroded trust and discouraged diaspora engagement with home institutions.
To address these concerns, the forum called for the establishment of dedicated diaspora oversight mechanisms, the acceleration of fully digital application systems to minimise human intervention, and the enforcement of a strict zero-tolerance policy on unauthorised fees.
It also recommended creating specialised support units within the Ministry of Interior to handle diaspora-related complaints promptly.
The group expressed its commitment to continued advocacy and offered to collaborate with the ministry in implementing these reforms, emphasising that improved service delivery would strengthen national ties with the diaspora and support broader development efforts.
Minister Tunji-Ojo has yet to publicly respond to the recommendations, but his recent inspection signals a growing emphasis on service reform within the interior ministry.
