Background

The Ministry of the Interior, also referred to as the Ministry of Home Affairs or Ministry of Internal Affairs, is a pivotal federal government agency in Nigeria responsible for domestic policy, public security, and law enforcement. Established in 2015 through the merger of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Police Affairs, it evolved from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, originally created in 1957. The ministry integrates various departments and units, including components from the defunct Native Authorities (e.g., prisons), the Nigeria Police Force (e.g., Immigration Service), and units previously under the colonial Secretary of State.

Historically, the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs oversaw functions such as supervising the Nigeria Police, Magistrate Courts, Fire Service, state administrator appointments, and licensing pool betting. Over time, its roles have been refined. The Federal Government Gazette No. 63, Vol. 70, dated 6th December 1983, outlined its responsibilities, emphasizing border control, prevention of undesirable entries, registration of voluntary organizations, marriage registration, civil defense, and regulation of private security guards—functions critical to national security.

The Ministry supervises key agencies, including the Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration, and Prisons Services Board (CDFIPB), Press and Public Relations, and Legal Services, which collectively enable it to fulfill its mandate.

Mandate of the Ministry of Interior

The Ministry of the Interior is tasked with delivering qualitative, efficient, and transparent internal security and ancillary services to both Nigerians and foreigners. Its mandate encompasses a broad range of responsibilities aimed at fostering internal security, citizenship integrity, and good governance. The key functions include:

1. Granting of Nigerian Citizenship: Issuing citizenship certificates to eligible individuals who meet the legal requirements for Nigerian citizenship.
2. Consular and Immigration Services: Managing entry and exit processes for citizens and non-citizens, ensuring secure and efficient immigration services.
3. Reformation and Re-integration of Inmates: Overseeing the rehabilitation and societal reintegration of inmates through the Nigerian Correctional Service.
4. Security of Lives and Properties: Collaborating with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to protect citizens’ lives and properties.
5. Management of National Emergencies: Coordinating responses to national emergencies to maintain peace and order.
6. Recruitment for Paramilitary Services: Recruiting officers and personnel for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Fire Service, and NSCDC.
7. Management of Retirement Benefits: Administering retirement benefits for retirees of paramilitary services under its supervision.
8. Establishment and Maintenance of Federal Marriage Registries: Overseeing federal marriage registries across Nigeria.
9. Licensing and Renewal of Places of Worship for Marriages: Regulating places of worship authorized to conduct marriages.
10. Issuance of Secured Federal Marriage Certificates: Providing secure marriage certificates to couples.
11. Coordination of National/Independence Day Celebrations: Organizing and coordinating Nigeria’s National Independence Day celebrations.

Conclusion

The Ministry of the Interior plays a critical role in ensuring internal security, citizenship integrity, and effective governance in Nigeria. Through its diverse agencies and functions, it addresses key aspects of public safety, immigration, correctional services, and national celebrations. By maintaining robust systems for border control, emergency management, and societal reintegration, the Ministry contributes significantly to Nigeria’s stability and socio-economic progress.