Tunji-Ojo Pushes Commercialisation of Staff Innovations at Interior Ministry Awards Ceremony
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has called for the immediate implementation and possible commercialisation of innovative ideas developed by staff of the Ministry, declaring that innovation remains critical to national development and institutional transformation.
The Minister made the declaration during the maiden edition of the Ministry of Interior Innovation Challenge Award Ceremony and Joint Union Council (JUC) Week Celebration held in Abuja, where he urged workers to transform creative ideas into practical solutions capable of improving lives and strengthening public service delivery.
The development was contained in a press release issued by the Ministry of Interior and signed by Mrs. Mary Ali, Head of Press and Public Relations, on May 26, 2026.
Addressing staff and management at the event, Tunji-Ojo stressed that innovative concepts must not remain at the discussion stage but should be translated into actionable projects with measurable impact.
“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 said.
He further charged workers across the Ministry and its agencies to remain committed and focused on ensuring that the administration records greater achievements in its final year.
“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,” he added.
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, Magdalene Ajani, explained that the Innovation Challenge was introduced to encourage staff to develop practical ideas capable of enhancing institutional efficiency and contributing to national development.
She disclosed that despite limited capital releases, the Ministry had continued to prioritise staff welfare and fulfil obligations to serving and retired officers.
“Retirees have continued to receive full repatriation benefits, while staff have also received their entitlements, including first 21-day allowances,” Ajani stated.
She 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 organised labour, the Chairman of the Joint Union Council, Elabor Mohammed, praised the Ministry’s leadership for prioritising workers’ welfare.
He highlighted several welfare interventions, including the provision of additional shuttle buses, improvements at the staff clinic, and the establishment of a cafeteria for workers.
Mohammed described the relationship between management and labour unions as cordial and productive, noting that sustained cooperation would continue to promote industrial harmony within the Ministry.
During the event, the Minister received an Award for Excellence from the Ministry’s Joint Union Council alongside the Permanent Secretary, directors, and other staff members, while outstanding participants in the Innovation Challenge were also recognised and rewarded.
The ceremony concluded with renewed calls for innovation, teamwork, professionalism, and dedication in advancing the Ministry’s reform agenda and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
