There are moments in a nation’s journey when leadership transcends policy and begins to touch the daily lives of its citizens. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Ministry of Interior has become one of the clearest reflections of that vision. The transformation in Nigeria’s passport system and immigration reforms could not have been possible without the President’s unwavering support, strategic guidance, and commitment to efficient governance. Indeed, while the Ministry of Interior under Dr Olubunmi Tunji Ojo has demonstrated excellence in delivery, the true credit belongs to the Presidency for providing the enabling environment for these reforms to thrive.

President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope philosophy is more than a slogan; it is a call to action for effective public service. By empowering his ministers with the freedom to innovate and the backing to execute, he has allowed competence to replace bureaucracy and results to replace excuses. The Nigerian passport today stands as a testament to what happens when leadership at the top is matched by dedication at every level.

For decades, the Nigerian passport symbolised inefficiency and frustration. Citizens endured endless queues, delays stretching for months, and a system riddled with corruption. Families in urgent need of travel for business, education, or medical care suffered under a process that eroded dignity. The global perception of the Nigerian passport was weak, and citizens bore the weight of that image across borders.

That narrative has changed under the Renewed Hope administration. In July 2025, the Henley Passport Index revealed that Nigeria had climbed from the 97th to the 88th position globally, a nine place rise that signifies more than numbers. It marks a shift in global perception, trust, and respect for Nigeria’s identity system. This remarkable progress is a product of deliberate reforms driven by the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service under the able leadership of Comptroller General Kemi Nanna Nandap, both operating with the guidance and policy direction of the President.

The Ministry, with the President’s full support, has established a state of the art data center in Abuja, ensuring the integration of passport and visa systems while protecting sensitive information.

The creation of a modern Command and Control Centre now allows for real time monitoring of border activities, strengthening national security and enhancing border management. Modern E Gates have also been installed at major airports, offering Nigerians and visitors dignified, efficient entry and exit experiences. These are not cosmetic improvements; they are deep structural reforms that have restored citizens’ confidence in public institutions.

President Tinubu, in his Independence Day address, personally commended the Ministry of Interior for its exceptional performance. His praise was not misplaced; it echoed the sentiments of Nigerians at home and abroad. On his recent visit to Japan, the President heard directly from Nigerians who testified that the process of passport renewal had become seamless and swift. For a country long burdened by administrative inefficiency, this acknowledgment was a quiet but powerful validation of good governance in action.

While the recent increase in passport fees, from N100,000 for the 34 page passport to N200,000 for the 50 page passport, has generated public debate, it must be viewed through the lens of sustainability. Quality service delivery requires investment. The upgraded infrastructure, advanced security features, and expanded manpower come at a cost. The new fees are not a burden but a reinvestment into a system that guarantees transparency, speed, and security. Nigerians are right to expect that higher fees must translate into better service, and under this administration, that expectation is being met.

It is unfortunate, however, that some critics have chosen to politicise progress. The evidence of change is clear for all to see. Even within government, leaders such as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have publicly praised Dr Olubunmi Tunji Ojo for his dedication and results. His leadership reflects the Renewed Hope spirit, bold reforms anchored in empathy and efficiency. Attempts to twist this positive narrative for political gain only undermine genuine progress and the collective good of Nigerians.

In less than two years, the synergy between President Tinubu’s vision and Dr Tunji Ojo’s execution has turned the Nigerian passport from a source of frustration into a symbol of national pride. The reforms have not only improved service delivery but have also strengthened Nigeria’s global reputation. The passport is no longer just a travel document; it is a statement of identity, competence, and renewal.

For the student seeking opportunities abroad, the entrepreneur expanding into new markets, or the family in need of urgent medical travel, the passport now represents a smoother path and restored dignity. It reflects a nation reclaiming respect in the global community and citizens rediscovering faith in their government.

Today, the little green book, the Nigerian passport, tells a story of transformation powered by leadership, integrity, and innovation. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, it has become not just a document of travel but a promise kept, a promise of service, progress, and national pride.

The journey continues, but one truth stands firm: when purposeful leadership meets competent stewardship, the result is progress that speaks for itself.

Adeniyi is a Public Analyst. He wrote from Lagos.