The Ministry of Interior in Nigeria was formed in 2015 through the merger of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Police Affairs.
Its origins trace back to 1957 when the Ministry of Internal Affairs was established to supervise police and other security-related functions.
This ministry is responsible for internal security and various services that ensure the safety and well-being of citizens.
It oversees agencies such as the Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, and Federal Fire Service. The ministry’s roles include managing immigration, granting citizenship, and coordinating national emergencies.
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List Of Ministers Of Interior In Nigeria From 1957 Till Date
| No | Name | Term In Office |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joseph Modupe Johnson | 1957–1959 |
| 2 | Usman Sarki | 1959–1962 |
| 3 | Shehu Shagari | 1962–1965 |
| 4 | Shettima Ali Monguno | 1965–1966 |
| 5 | Kam Selem | 1967–1975 |
| 6 | Adamu Suleiman | 1975 |
| 7 | Umaru Shinkafi | 1975–1979 |
| 8 | Bello Maitama Yusuf | 1979–1983 |
| 9 | Bagudu Mamman | 1990–1991 |
| 10 | Tunji Olagunju | 1992–1993 |
| 11 | Bashir Dalhatu | 1997–1998 |
| 12 | Sunday Afolabi | 1999–2000 |
| 13 | Mohammed Shata | 2000–2003 |
| 14 | Iyorchia Ayu | 2003–2005 |
| 15 | Magaji Muhammed | 2005–2006 |
| 16 | Oluyemi Adeniji | 2006–2007 |
| 17 | Godwin Abbe | 2007–2009 |
| 18 | Shettima Mustapha | 2009–2010 |
| 19 | Emmanuel Iheanacho | 2010–2011 |
| 20 | Patrick Abba Moro | 2011–2015 |
| 21 | Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau | 2015–2019 |
| 22 | Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola | 2019–2023 |
| 23 | Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo | 2023–present |
Who Was The First Minister Of The Interior In Nigeria?
Joseph Modupe Johnson, often called J. M. Johnson was Nigeria’s first Minister of the Interior, serving from 1957 to 1959.
Born on March 30, 1912, in Lagos, he was a notable Nigerian politician who contributed significantly to the development of the country during its early years of independence.
Before joining politics, Johnson served in the Nigerian Army during World War II from 1939 to 1946. After the war, he worked as a bank clerk and radio broadcaster.
His political career took off in 1948 when he was elected to the Ibadan District Council. Interestingly, he became the first and only non-indigene to serve as the Chairman of the Council.
However, during his time In the office, J. M. Johnson managed internal affairs. After his time in that position, he later became the Minister for Labour, Welfare, and Sports, holding the office from 1959 to 1964.
His efforts were not just limited to administration, he had a passion for sports and helped build Nigeria’s first and largest National Sports Stadium in Lagos.
He also helped organize major boxing events, including the historic fight between Nigeria’s Dick Tiger and Gene Fullmer. In 1963, Johnson retired from politics to make way for younger leaders.
Who Is The New Minister Of Interior In Nigeria?
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo is the new Minister of Interior in Nigeria, appointed by President Bola Tinubu on August 16, 2023, and sworn in on August 21, 2023.
Tunji-Ojo was a member of the House of Representatives, representing the Akoko North East/Akoko North West constituency in Ondo State from 2019 to 2023 before he was appointed as the minister of Interior.
His political career has been seen by a focus on transparency and accountability, particularly through his role as Chairman of the House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), where he led investigations into financial malpractices in the commission.
Born on May 1, 1982, in Okeagbe Akoko, Ondo State, Tunji-Ojo has a background in engineering and information technology.
He studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University before moving to London Metropolitan University, where he earned his degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering in 2005.
He also holds a master’s degree in Digital Communication and Networking and has different certifications, including one as an Ethical Hacker. Tunji-Ojo was a successful entrepreneur, becoming the CEO of Matrix IT Solutions Limited at just 24 years old.
His company provided ICT consultancy services to several Nigerian government agencies and international organizations like the World Bank.
Tunji-Ojo’s expertise in technology and business management allowed him to make significant contributions to improving ICT systems and processes across Nigeria.
Now that he’s the Minister of Interior, Tunji-Ojo is responsible for overseeing Nigeria’s internal security, managing immigration services, and ensuring public safety.
He is expected to introduce policies that will improve the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security agencies and improve internal stability.
However, Tunji-Ojo is not only a politician and engineer but also a philanthropist, often working to improve the lives of those in his constituency. He is married to Abimbola Tunji-Ojo, and they have two children.