Leadership is not about reacting to problems, it is about foreseeing and solving them before they occur.
Minister Tunji-Ojo addressed public and private sector leaders at the Access Bank Guest Lecture Series held in Lagos, outlining a vision for innovation-driven governance and urgent reform in Nigeria’s correctional system. Speaking on the theme “Dare to Dream, Dare to Innovate,” he drew from his experience as an ethical hacker to stress the importance of proactive leadership. “Leadership is not about reacting to problems, it is about foreseeing and solving them before they occur,” he said.
Since taking office, the Ministry repaid ₦28 billion in legacy debt without federal financial aid, leveraging technology and system integration to improve services. Innovations include e-visa platforms, contactless passport renewals for Nigerians abroad, and a Tier-4 data centre.
Tunji-Ojo highlighted the plight of over 4,000 inmates detained for inability to pay minor fines, calling it a “moral crisis.” He emphasized reforms focused on rehabilitation, digital case tracking, and public-private partnerships to improve correctional facilities.