The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has launched a comprehensive five-year strategic plan to enhance the Ministry and its services/board for efficient service delivery.
According to the minister, the ministry plays an integral role in national security and prosperity, which is often underestimated by many. The four services under the ministry include the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and Federal Fire Service (FFS).
The Nigeria Immigration Service monitors the country’s borders to prevent individuals who pose a threat to the welfare of Nigerians from entering the country. The NSCDC complements the police and other law enforcement agencies in combating crime and intelligence gathering. The NCoS keeps custody of those lawfully sentenced or awaiting trial, while the FFS responds to fire and other emergencies. Additionally, the ministry has a department that registers marriages and regulates the presence of foreigners in Nigeria.
The minister acknowledged the challenges facing the country’s security but noted that thousands of potential threats are addressed daily and prevented from escalating into chaos.
The permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore emphasised that the ministry has operated without a strategic plan until now. However, the strategic plan, developed collaboratively with key stakeholders, provides an opportunity for Nigeria to improve its security architecture.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Shehu Ibrahim commended the ministry for the initiative and stated that the fight against social ills is the responsibility of all Nigerians.
The representative of the Minister of State for Budget & National Planning, Mr. Philip Ogbodo affirmed that internal security has improved under the leadership of Aregbesola.
The ministry’s deputy director of press and public relations unit, Afonja Ajibola confirmed that the CG of NCoS Aliru Nababa and representatives of the CG of NIS, NSCDC and FFS attended the event. Also present were directors in the ministry and other management staff.
In conclusion, the interior ministry’s strategic plan is crucial to achieving its objective and enhancing the security and wellbeing of Nigerians. The ministry’s leadership must take specific actions towards its execution, as emphasised by Belgore.
