Interior minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has called on public servants to adopt efficient, visionary leadership and accountability to transform Africa’s public sector.

Mr Tunji-Ojo made the call at the Closing Ceremony of the 2025 AIG Public Leaders Programme, organised by the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Tunji-Ojo distinguished between leadership and statesmanship, saying that while leaders often think about short-term achievements, statesmen focus on the next generation.

The minister stressed that Africa would not overcome underdevelopment, insecurity and economic challenges without addressing inefficiency within public institutions.

Citing reforms introduced in Nigeria’s immigration system, Mr Tunji-Ojo said transformational leadership required breaking away from outdated systems and traditions.

He also highlighted the introduction of contactless passport renewal for Nigerians in the diaspora, which allows applicants to complete biometric verification using their mobile phones.

Mr Tunji-Ojo explained that leaders should focus on building systems rather than seeking personal recognition, adding that the condition of institutions left behind defines a leader’s legacy.

He urged the 2025 cohorts to use the knowledge gained to transform Africa.

The chairman of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, said Nigeria did not lack intelligence or policy ideas but often struggled with implementation.

According to Mr Aig-Imoukhuede, the foundation’s leadership programme focuses on strengthening public servants’ ability to implement reforms and translate ideas into measurable progress.

Mr Aig-Imoukhuede said those were the type of things that the Foundation was equipping civil servants and public servants within the programme to achieve.

The executive vice-chair of the foundation, Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, said that supporting public servants with training and resources was critical to improving governance outcomes across Africa.

The head of the civil service of the federation, Didi Walson-Jack, commended the initiative and urged participants of the programme to apply the knowledge gained to strengthen public institutions.

(NAN)