The Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has called for the immediate implementation and possible commercialization of innovative ideas developed by staff of the Ministry, stressing that innovation remains a key driver of national growth and institutional transformation.
The Minister made the call during the maiden edition of the Ministry of Interior Innovation Challenge Award Ceremony and Joint Union Council (JUC) Week Celebration held in Abuja.
Addressing staff and management at the event, Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized that innovation must move beyond concepts and discussions to practical execution capable of delivering measurable impact for national development.
“We must ensure that these innovations come to fruition. Ideas are valuable only when they solve problems and improve lives. We should begin to explore possible investment opportunities and commercialization of some of these innovations,” the Minister stated.
He further urged staff of the Ministry and its agencies to remain focused and committed towards ensuring that the final year of the current administration records even greater achievements than previous years.
According to him, “Recognition of creativity is important because no society can grow without innovation. Every institution that intends to remain relevant must encourage people to think differently and develop solutions.”
The Minister commended participants in the Innovation Challenge for demonstrating creativity, initiative and dedication towards improving public service delivery.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, stated that the Innovation Challenge was introduced to encourage staff to develop practical and implementable ideas capable of improving institutional efficiency and contributing to national development.
She noted that despite the absence of recent capital releases, the Ministry has continued to prioritize staff welfare and uphold its obligations to both serving and retired officers.
According to her, retirees have continued to receive full repatriation benefits, while staff have also received their entitlements, including first 21-day allowances.
Dr. Ajani encouraged officers to continue contributing innovative ideas that would strengthen service delivery and support ongoing reforms within the Ministry and its agencies.
Speaking on behalf of organized labour, the Chairman of the Joint Union Council, Comrade Elabor Mohammed commended the Ministry’s management for prioritizing staff welfare.
He highlighted recent welfare interventions, including the provision of additional staff shuttle buses, improvements at the staff clinic, establishment of a cafeteria, and other measures aimed at enhancing workers’ wellbeing.
The Union Chairman described the relationship between management and staff unions as cordial and productive, adding that sustained cooperation would continue to promote industrial harmony within the Ministry.
The Honourable Minister was presented with an Award for Excellence by the Ministry’s Joint Union Council alongside the Permanent Secretary, some Directors, and staff of the Ministry. In addition, the outstanding participants in the Innovation Challenge were also awarded.
The event ended with renewed calls for innovation, dedication, teamwork and professionalism in support of the Ministry’s reform agenda and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
E-signed
Mrs Mary Ali, anipr
Head, Press ad Public Relations
26th May 2026
