Federal Gov’t Generates ₦6.03bn From Marriage Contracts, Expatriate Quotas

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Interior, generated a significant amount of ₦6.03 billion in 2024 with notable contributions of ₦2.4 billion from marriage contracts and ₦3.2 billion from expatriate quota applications.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the disclosure during a media briefing on the Ministry’s achievements for the year 2024, held in Abuja, said other notable contributions included ₦392.79 million from citizenship applications and ₦12.35 million from place of worship registrations.

He said the marriage registry emerged as a significant source of income, with the ministry exceeding its projected revenue by collecting over ₦892 million from marriage contracts as of October 31, 2023.

He highlighted the automation of processes within the Ministry, which led to a 150 per cent increase in internally generated revenue (IGR) and the blocking of revenue leakages.

He also pointed out the success of reforms such as the enforcement of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and timelines for business permits and expatriate quota applications, which contributed to a more efficient and transparent system.

Furthermore, he noted that the issuance of expatriate quotas has been a vital contributor to the ministry’s finances, saying, “This year, the ministry earned more than ₦1 billion from expatriate quota permits, exceeding its target of ₦600 million by over ₦600 million.”

The minister also emphasised the importance of the reforms in supporting Nigeria’s economic development, stating that they had not only simplified administrative procedures but also improved public confidence and attracted more investors to the country.

Additionally, Dr. Tunji-Ojo urged the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to deploy medical doctors to Nigeria’s prisons and emergency services. This move, he explained, would address the growing need for healthcare in custodial centers and provide vital medical assistance in emergency situations across the country.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo, who stated that zero jailbreak was recorded in 2024, further discussed plans to strengthen the nation’s borders to curb irregular migration. He emphasised that enhancing border security was crucial for controlling the entry of migrants and safeguarding Nigeria’s national security interests.

As part of the Ministry’s broader strategic goals, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving public service delivery, boosting security, and enhancing citizen welfare through ongoing reforms and innovations.

He said, “Looking ahead, the Ministry is set to implement more digital solutions, including the Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS), which is expected to go live by the first quarter of 2025, further streamlining internal processes and enhancing efficiency.”

He added that the Ministry also made significant strides in contributing to national security, aligning with the administration’s eight priority areas. He identified notable achievements to include the fast-tracking of the implementation of the Critical Infrastructure Protection Plan (CIPP), conducting vulnerability assessments of critical national infrastructures, and enforce regulations on private guard companies.

Furthermore, the Ministry supported efforts to enhance border security, rehabilitate Nigeria’s custodial centers, and harmonise citizen data into a national database.

Speaking on the Ministry’s international engagements in 2024, Tunji Ojo said, “with a successful study visit to the UK that resulted in the development of a strategic partnership. The Ministry worked to review and strengthen the Nigeria-UK Readmission and Reintegration MOU, which aimed to improve bilateral relations and internal security frameworks.

“The achievements of the Ministry in 2024 were the result of strong leadership, innovative reforms, and a deep commitment to public service. As we move into 2025, the Ministry of Interior is poised to continue driving national development through strategic reforms, stakeholder engagement, and innovation in public service delivery

“The work of the Ministry of Interior in 2024 has laid a solid foundation for continued success, with a clear focus on improving governance, securing the nation, and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens.”