The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Wednesday, stated that the Ministry successfully executed several multi-million Naira capital projects in 2024, despite not receiving any capital allocation from the budget.
The Minister revealed this while speaking during the 2025 budget defense session before the Joint Committee on the Interior of the National Assembly.
Dr Tunji-Ojo informed lawmakers that the achievements were made possible through the review and implementation of existing contracts, holding contractors to their obligations as stipulated in their agreements.
The Minister explained that some of the contracts, dating back to 1999, had been abandoned by contractors, either in breach of contract terms or under public-private partnerships (PPPs) or concession agreements.
According to him, “We were able to complete electronic automation gates, command and control center, resource centers, visa approval centers, solar farms and other projects by thinking outside the box.”
“We don't spend a kobo of government money to do some of these things. What we did was avoid entering into new contracts. Instead, we reviewed existing ones and implemented value proposition management to ensure contractors met their obligations.”
“For example, someone with a contract for the issuance of visa approval centers (VACs) had not built a VAC center. We had to make sure they delivered. Another contractor providing border control solutions implemented the software component but did not deliver the hardware, which is essential for e-gate solutions. I made it clear that contracts cannot be partially implemented; They must be executed comprehensively,” he said.
He described the accountability measures instituted to ensure compliance, highlighting as an example the construction of a four-megawatt solar park, valued at approximately $4 million.
According to him, “We did not sign new agreements or PPPs. We simply required contractors to meet their existing obligations. “This is about accountability and ensuring maximum value for Nigeria.”
The Minister credited his experience as an information technology (IT) consultant, with over 20 years of experience, for allowing him to design and oversee these solutions effectively.
He said: “Most of these solutions were designed personally by me. “I consulted directly and used my experience to ensure the government gets what it deserves.”
READ ALSO: MDCAN gives 21-day ultimatum on CONMESS payment to southwest teachers
Tunji-Ojo assured the Committee that no public funds were used for the commissioned projects and that no new contracts or concessions were signed.
According to him, “Each solution emerged from existing contracts. Not a single naira of public money was spent. “This is about ensuring that Nigeria gets value from previously signed agreements.”
After presenting the 2025 budget proposal, Tunji-Ojo pledged to continue leveraging technology and reforms to address challenges and improve efficiency.
According to him, “in 2025 we will intensify our efforts. If contractors do not bring value to the government, they will be held accountable. We are not Santa Claus. PPPs exist because the government cannot finance everything. Sharing profits without providing infrastructure is callous, perverse and unacceptable.”
Lawmakers took turns praising the innovation and responsibility demonstrated by the Minister in managing his ministry despite zero budget allocation.
Speaking, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, and his counterpart in the House of Representatives, Representative Abdullahi Aliyu, commended the Minister for exceeding the 2024 revenue target despite the zero allocation of capital.
However, after a committee member pointed out the omission of tender fees in the budget proposal, the Minister apologized and promised to provide details promptly.