Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has urged senior public servants across Africa to adopt practical reforms and improve governance within their institutions.

The minister made the call during the graduation ceremony of the AIG Public Leaders Programme, where 69 senior officials from seven African countries were awarded diplomas.

Tunji-Ojo emphasized that Africa’s greatest asset is its people, stressing that leadership in public service should focus on long-term impact rather than short-term gains.

He stated that if leaders truly understand the essence of service, the continent would be able to tell a different story. According to him, public service leadership must ensure that policies and decisions benefit future generations.

The minister also highlighted the need to tackle inefficiencies within public institutions, noting that improving governance is essential to addressing challenges such as underdevelopment, insecurity, and economic difficulties.

In his remarks, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede underscored the importance of developing leaders who are dedicated to institutional reform. He noted that the future of Africa largely depends on the quality of leadership within its public institutions.

According to him, transforming these institutions requires leaders who understand complex systems, are willing to make necessary compromises, and are prepared to drive reforms from within.