Tunji-Ojo Says Interior Ministry Received Zero Capital Budget Releases in 2024 and 2025

West Africa WeeklyFebruary 23, 20261 Mins read174

Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has disclosed that his ministry received no capital budget releases for two consecutive fiscal years, covering 2024 and 2025. The revelation came during an oversight engagement with lawmakers in Abuja, where the minister explained that although capital allocations were approved in the national budgets for both years, the funds were never disbursed.

The Ministry of Interior supervises several critical agencies, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Correctional Service, the Federal Fire Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. Capital allocations to the ministry are typically used for infrastructure development, procurement of operational equipment, renovation of facilities and modernization of security systems. Without access to those funds, many planned projects have stalled.

Tunji-Ojo told legislators that the absence of capital releases significantly affected expansion and rehabilitation programmes across correctional centres and border facilities. Several border posts earmarked for upgrades reportedly remain incomplete, while correctional facilities facing overcrowding have not received the structural improvements initially budgeted.

The minister noted that while capital funding was not released, recurrent expenditures continued, allowing the ministry to meet salary obligations and maintain day-to-day administrative functions. He also pointed to efforts made by agencies under his supervision to increase internally generated revenue, particularly through passport processing reforms and improved immigration services.

The disclosure has intensified scrutiny of Nigeria’s budget implementation process. Once the National Assembly passes an appropriation bill and it is signed into law, ministries expect the Ministry of Finance and the Budget Office to release funds in phases. When releases do not occur, approved projects remain on paper, raising concerns about fiscal bottlenecks and competing financial pressures within government.

Tunji-Ojo’s remarks have also prompted wider public debate about governance and accountability. If capital projects in security-related ministries are delayed for two years, the implications extend beyond administrative inconvenience. Border security, prison reform and emergency response infrastructure all rely heavily on capital investment.

The minister maintained that his ministry has continued to push reforms despite financial constraints. However, lawmakers signalled that further clarification would be required to understand why approved funds were withheld and how similar gaps can be avoided in future budget cycles.