Tunji-Ojo Seeks Stronger Federal-State Partnership on Security, Governance

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to stronger collaboration with state legislatures, saying effective governance and sustainable security reforms require close cooperation between federal and sub-national institutions.

Tunji-Ojo gave the assurance on Thursday while receiving members of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, led by its Chairman and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, during a courtesy visit to the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

The minister commended the conference for what he described as its proactive approach to partnership and nation-building, stressing that state assemblies remain important stakeholders in governance and policy implementation.

He said the Ministry of Interior would continue to strengthen institutional relationships with sub-national legislatures in pursuit of reforms aimed at improving national security and public administration.

Tunji-Ojo noted that reforms in internal security, border management and civic administration could only succeed through sustained synergy between federal and state institutions.

“Sustainable reforms in internal security and civic administration require strong synergy between federal and state institutions,” the minister said.

He assured the delegation that the requests and proposals presented during the visit would receive due consideration within the framework of existing government policies and national priorities.

The minister also reiterated the ministry’s commitment to people-centred reforms designed to enhance national security, improve border management and strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s internal governance systems.

Earlier, Guwor congratulated Tunji-Ojo on what he described as his reform-driven leadership at the ministry, saying the minister’s performance reflected the confidence reposed in him by President Bola Tinubu.

He said the Conference of Speakers, as representatives of state legislatures closest to the grassroots, remained a critical partner in supporting policies and reforms that directly affect citizens.

“The Conference of Speakers remains a critical partner in supporting policies and reforms that directly impact citizens,” Guwor said.

The Delta Speaker emphasised the need to deepen collaboration between the conference and the Ministry of Interior, particularly in areas that promote national cohesion, strengthen the country’s security architecture and improve public service delivery.

He added that state houses of assembly were ready to provide legislative support for policies and programmes under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The meeting underscored a shared commitment by the Ministry of Interior and the Conference of Speakers to deepen institutional cooperation in advancing effective governance, strengthening internal security and improving service delivery across the country.

Both sides agreed to sustain engagement and strategic collaboration in pursuit of good governance and national development.