List Of All Ministers Of Interior In Nigeria (1957-Present)
The Ministry of Interior in Nigeria was created in 1957 and was first called the Ministry of Internal Affairs. It was set up to improve the way the government manages internal security and other important tasks.
However, the ministry’s duties were to look after the police, immigration, civil defense, and prison services. It has changed to meet new security challenges and the needs of society.
In 2015, the Ministry of Internal Affairs joined with the Ministry of Police Affairs. This created the Ministry of Interior, which still plays an important part in keeping the country safe.
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List Of Ministers Of Interior In Nigeria (1957-Present)
Name | Term Start | Term End | Political Party |
|---|---|---|---|
Joseph Modupe Johnson | 1957 | 1959 | Unknown |
Usman Sarki | 1959 | 1962 | Unknown |
Shehu Shagari | 1962 | 1965 | Northern People's Congress (NPC) |
Shettima Ali Monguno | 1965 | 1966 | Military |
Kam Selem | 1967 | 1975 | Military |
Adamu Suleiman | 1975 | 1975 | Military |
Umaru Shinkafi | 1975 | 1979 | Military |
Bello Maitama Yusuf | 1979 | 1983 | National Party of Nigeria (NPN) |
Bagudu Mamman | 1990 | 1991 | Unknown |
Tunji Olagunju | 1992 | 1993 | Unknown |
Bashir Dalhatu | 1997 | 1998 | Unknown |
Sunday Afolabi | 1999 | 2000 | People's Democratic Party (PDP) |
Mohammed Shata | 2000 | 2003 | People's Democratic Party (PDP) |
Iyorchia Ayu | 2003 | 2005 | People's Democratic Party (PDP) |
Magaji Muhammed | 2005 | 2006 | People's Democratic Party (PDP) |
Oluyemi Adeniji | 2006 | 2007 | People's Democratic Party (PDP) |
Godwin Abbe | 2007 | 2009 | People's Democratic Party (PDP) |
Shettima Mustapha | 2009 | 2010 | People's Democratic Party (PDP) |
Emmanuel Iheanacho | 2010 | 2011 | People's Democratic Party (PDP) |
Patrick Abba Moro | 2011 | 2015 | People's Democratic Party (PDP) |
Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau | 2015 | 2019 | All Progressives Congress (APC) |
Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola | 2019 | 2023 | All Progressives Congress (APC) |
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo | 2023 | Present | All Progressives Congress (APC) |
What Are The 5 Parastatals Under The Ministry Of Interior?
The Ministry of Interior in Nigeria oversees several important parastatals, which are agencies that help carry out its functions.
Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration, and Prisons Services Board (CDFIPB):
This board oversees the operations of various agencies under the Ministry of Interior. It ensures that the Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Fire Service, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps work effectively. The CDFIPB plays a part in coordinating efforts among these agencies to enhance national security and public safety.
Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS):
The NCS is responsible for managing prisons and correctional facilities across Nigeria. Its main goal is to rehabilitate offenders and prepare them for reintegration into society.
The service focuses on providing education, vocational training, and counseling to inmates, helping them become better citizens after serving their sentences.
Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS):
The NIS manages immigration matters in Nigeria, which includes issuing passports, regulating the entry and exit of people at borders, and ensuring that immigration laws are followed.
The NIS also handles issues related to citizenship and the registration of foreigners living in Nigeria, contributing to national security by monitoring who enters and leaves the country.
Federal Fire Service (FFS):
The FFS is tasked with preventing and extinguishing fires, as well as providing emergency rescue services. It operates fire stations in various regions and works to educate the public about fire safety. The FFS plays a vital role in responding to fire emergencies and protecting lives and property from fire hazards.
Nigeria Security And Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC):
The NSCDC is a paramilitary agency that focuses on protecting lives and property, especially critical national infrastructure. It works to prevent vandalism and other crimes, assists in disaster management, and supports law enforcement during public events.
The NSCDC also engages in community awareness programs to educate citizens about safety and security. That being said, these five parastatals under the Ministry of Interior work together to enhance the safety and security of Nigeria.
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Who Was The First Minister Of The Interior In Nigeria?
The first Minister of Interior in Nigeria was Joseph Modupe Johnson, who served from 1957 to 1959 when the ministry was originally called the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
This ministry was created to handle the growing need for internal security and to manage different parts of governance related to public safety and order in the country.
Joseph Modupe Johnson was appointed at a time when Nigeria was moving from colonial rule to independence. His role was very important in setting up the ministry’s functions.
These functions included overseeing the police, immigration, and other internal security agencies. The establishment of the ministry was part of a larger effort to improve the government’s ability to maintain law and order as Nigeria prepared for self-governance.
During his time in office, Johnson focused on creating policies that would help stabilize the country and improve the efficiency of the various agencies under the ministry.
This included addressing issues related to crime, immigration, and public safety, which were becoming more important as the nation moved toward independence. After Johnson’s tenure, the ministry continued to develop. In 1966, it was renamed the Ministry of Interior.
The ministry has gone through several changes, including the merging of various departments and agencies to better address the challenges of internal security in a rapidly changing society.
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Who Is The New Minister Of Interior In Nigeria?
The new Minister of Interior in Nigeria is Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, having taken office in May 2023. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed him.
The Ministry of Interior is responsible for keeping the country safe, handling immigration, and providing key services to the people. Since he started, Minister Tunji-Ojo has been very active.
He has told the staff and leaders of the agencies under his ministry to work hard and get good results. Also, he said that the ministry must perform well because it affects every Nigerian’s life.
The minister also said he would hold directors and heads of agencies responsible for any problems. This is because President Tinubu has warned that he will be responsible for any failures in the ministry.
One of Minister Tunji-Ojo’s main goals is to make sure the ministry supports and achieves the President’s policy goals. He has asked the ministry’s staff to be ready to work hard.
He said it is important for Nigerians to feel safe and be able to sleep peacefully because of the ministry’s work. Minister Tunji-Ojo has also talked to the ministry’s press corps, asking them to work with him.
He promised them a friendly and interactive working relationship. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade, has welcomed the Minister.
Dr. Akinlade promised that the management and staff would fully support the Minister to help him succeed. She also asked the press corps to understand and support the ministry’s work for the good of everyone.
In his first 100 days, Minister Tunji-Ojo has already made major changes in the ministry. He has shown his dedication to improving internal security, bettering immigration processes, and providing good services to the Nigerian people.
