Celebrating Innovation and Calling for Sustained Commitment to Nigeria’s Progress

The Great Nigerian Assembly (GNA) commends the Nigerian government, under the exceptional leadership of Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for its transformative strides in redefining the Ministry of Interior. The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Innovation Complex (BATIC) commissioning marks a significant milestone, demonstrating a commitment to visionary governance to enhance national security, operational efficiency, and citizen-centric service delivery.

Redefining Nigeria’s Interior Ministry: A New Era of Innovation
The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Innovation Complex signifies a new era of forward-thinking governance equipped with advanced infrastructure to address critical challenges and drive innovation. Key components include:

• Tier 4 Data Center: With an 8.3-petabyte capacity, this facility centralizes critical data, ensuring data harmonization, redundancy, and compliance with Nigeria’s Data Protection Act.
• Command and Control Center: Enabling 24/7 real-time monitoring of Nigeria’s borders (land, sea, and air), this center enhances security coordination and response capabilities.
• Interactive Advanced Passenger Information (IAPI) System: A pioneering system in Africa, IAPI facilitates seamless and contactless passenger profiling, bolstering border security while streamlining travel processes.

Recognized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as Africa’s “lighthouse project,” these innovations solidify Nigeria’s position as a leader in security and data management across the continent.

A Collective Call for Accountability and Sustainable Progress
We understand that these achievements are commendable, but their long-term success hinges on accountability, sustainability, and prudent management. We urge the government and all stakeholders to:

• Prioritize Proper Use and Maintenance: Ensure the continued functionality and adaptability of infrastructure to evolving global standards.
• Promote Fiscal Discipline: Reduce the cost of governance to free up resources for impactful, citizen-centric projects.
• Embrace Transparency and the Rule of Law: Foster public trust and lay the foundation for sustainable development through transparency and adherence to the rule of law.
• Encourage Best Practices Across Ministries: Inspire other ministries to prioritize projects that deliver tangible benefits to the Nigerian people.

Outcomes of the Local Government Autonomy Seminar
In line with the GNA’s mission to advance good governance, we recently hosted a seminar on local government autonomy sponsored by the Initiative for Good Governance (IGG). This crucial forum, led by distinguished experts including Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, Hon. (GN) Collins Nweke, Sir Chibuzor Ubochi, Hon. Dapo Rotifa, and supported by Dr. Akin Awofolaju, GN Ojo Micheal, GN Tokunbo Adeniji, GN Amos Oladipo, Dr. Olusegun Apata, and hosted by GN Kayode Elusoji, the organization’s Executive Director, addressed critical issues surrounding grassroots development and yielded the following actionable outcomes:

• Advocate for a Robust Legal Framework: Champion the enactment and enforcement of laws that guarantee the consistent and full implementation of local government autonomy.
• Foster Stakeholder Collaboration: Emphasize inclusive governance through the active engagement of local authorities, state governments, civil society, and the public.
• Ensure Equitable Resource Allocation and Monitoring: Establish mechanisms for equitable resource distribution and robust oversight to ensure impactful service delivery.
• Implement Project Tracking Systems: Develop systems to monitor the initiation, execution, and completion of local projects, fostering transparency and accountability.
• Conduct Regular Audits: Institute periodic audits of local government activities to prevent mismanagement and build public trust.

GNA’s Strategic Contributions to National Development
As a global coalition of professional Nigerians, GNA is uniquely positioned to drive sustainable development through its robust multi-tier structure, connecting grassroots communities to regional, national, and international stakeholders. Our efforts strategically address critical areas for growth:

1. Grassroots Engagement:
   • Identify Pressing Needs: Collaborate with communities to identify their critical needs and advocate for government action.
   • Amplify Grassroots Voices: Ensure that the voices of grassroots communities are heard by global stakeholders.
   • Foster Collaborative Partnerships: Improve the quality of life through effective cooperation with private and public establishments.
2. Multi-Tier Coordination:
   • Enhance Communication: Ensure effective communication and policy implementation across all levels of government.
   • Prioritize Resource Allocation: Allocate resources strategically to high-priority projects.
   • Strengthen Monitoring and Evaluation: Ensure accountability by rigorously monitoring and evaluating development initiatives.
3. Connecting the Diaspora to Local Communities:
   • Mobilize Diaspora Expertise: Leverage the expertise of the Nigerian diaspora to address local challenges.
   • Facilitate Strategic Partnerships: Amplify development through impactful partnerships between international entities and local stakeholders.
   • Create a Unified Structure: Establish a unified structure for collective action and national progress.
4. Youth Training and Engagement:
   • Invest in Skill Development: Train youth in modern technologies, leadership, and entrepreneurship to enhance their global competitiveness.
   • Promote Youth Inclusion: Create platforms for meaningful youth participation in governance and decision-making processes.
   • Establish Mentorship Programs: Connect young Nigerians with experienced professionals to inspire growth and knowledge sharing.
5. Industrialization Through the Build Nigeria Initiative:
   • Focus on Sector-Specific Projects: Prioritize projects in key sectors such as healthcare, education, information technology, agriculture, and more.
   • Advocate for Supportive Policies: Partner with government agencies to create an enabling environment for industrialization.
   • Foster Private Sector Collaboration: Leverage private sector expertise to fuel innovation and business growth.

The GNA Global Conference: A Platform for National Rebirth
The upcoming GNA Global Conference, scheduled for October 16-18, 2025, in Chicago, IL, USA, and themed “Harnessing Nigeria’s Global Talent: Strategies for Innovation, Competitiveness, Empowerment, and National Advancement,” is poised to be a landmark event. This conference will bring together Nigerian professionals from around the world to collaboratively chart a path for Nigeria’s progress. Key highlights include:

• In-depth Seminars: Address Nigeria’s challenges with actionable and innovative solutions. Each of the 16 professional groups will present insightful seminars.
• Showcase of Excellence: Showcase the contributions of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora through engaging exhibitions.
• Strategic Discussions: Generate impactful outcomes for national development through high-level strategic discussions.
• Recognition of Pacesetters: Recognize and reward individuals who have made significant contributions to the upliftment of Nigeria.
• Launch of a Commemorative Book: Launch a thought-provoking book titled “Rebirth of a Nation: Envisioning a New Nigeria.”

This gathering is more than a conference; it is a clarion call for all stakeholders to unite in the pursuit of a better Nigeria.

The transformative achievements of the Ministry of Interior, under the leadership of Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, serve as a testament to the power of visionary governance. However, lasting progress requires a sustained commitment to accountability, the rule of law, and sustainable practices.

We at GNA reaffirm our dedication to collaborating with all levels of government and stakeholders to ensure that governance delivers tangible benefits to the Nigerian people. Together, we can build a nation that reflects its citizens’ immense aspirations and potential, a united Nigeria driven by innovation and destined for greatness.

Dr. Kayode Elusoji
Executive Director, Great Nigerian Assembly (GNA)