Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has revealed that Nigeria generated an unprecedented ₦2.4 billion from marriage registrations in 2024. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the Minister highlighted that the record-breaking revenue was a result of strategic reforms aimed at modernizing and digitizing the marriage registration process across the country.
“This achievement is a testament to our commitment to making civil registrations efficient and transparent,” Tunji-Ojo said. He emphasized that the reforms were not only about revenue generation but also about ensuring that Nigerians have legal protection in their unions. The Minister’s announcement marks a historic moment for the Ministry of Interior, which had faced criticisms over bureaucratic inefficiencies in the past.
Tunji-Ojo Champions Digital Reforms for Marriage Registration
Minister Tunji-Ojo attributed the revenue milestone to the successful implementation of digital marriage registration platforms. “We have demystified the process, reducing the stress and time Nigerians spend on marriage documentation,” he explained. The digitization effort has made it possible for citizens to register their marriages seamlessly from any location.
The Minister’s initiative also included partnerships with local government councils and religious institutions to promote compliance. Tunji-Ojo revealed that awareness campaigns highlighting the benefits of formal marriage registration played a critical role in the sharp increase in registrations. “The era of cumbersome paperwork is over,” he declared confidently.
Public Backlash Over Revenue-Focused Marriage Policies
Minister Tunji-Ojo’s announcement, however, has not been without controversy. Critics have accused the government of turning marriage into a commercial venture. “Marriage is a sacred institution, not a revenue stream,” said a religious leader in Lagos. The rising cost of marriage registration has also sparked concerns among low-income citizens.
Opposition lawmakers have called for a review of the fee structure, warning that it may discourage formal unions. Nevertheless, Tunji-Ojo remains resolute, defending the revenue-driven reforms as necessary for improving service delivery. “This is about protecting the rights of Nigerians and enhancing the efficiency of our civil registry system,” the Minister stated.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo Defends Revenue Strategy Amid Criticism
Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has dismissed claims that the Ministry of Interior is prioritizing revenue over the welfare of citizens. “Our primary focus is to ensure that Nigerians can access legal and transparent marriage services without undue stress,” he asserted. He further explained that a significant portion of the funds generated had been reinvested into upgrading civil registry infrastructure.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo stressed that legal marriage documentation provides couples with vital protections, including inheritance rights and legal clarity in marital disputes. “Our reforms are about empowering Nigerians, not exploiting them,” he emphasized. His bold stance has continued to generate both support and criticism from various stakeholders.
Marriage Revenue Funds Civil Registry Transformation, Says Tunji-Ojo
Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo revealed that the ₦2.4 billion generated from marriage registrations is being channeled into broader civil registry reforms. “We are not stopping at marriages; we are modernizing the entire civil registry system,” he declared. Birth, death, and other vital records are now part of the Ministry’s digital transformation agenda.
The Minister’s forward-thinking approach has garnered praise from governance experts who see it as a blueprint for other African nations. “With these reforms, we are not only improving service delivery but also creating jobs and enhancing data accuracy for national planning,” Tunji-Ojo added. His vision for a technology-driven civil service is becoming a defining aspect of his leadership.
Nigerians Debate Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s Legacy Amid Record Revenue Figures
Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s announcement has sparked intense national debate over the legacy he is building in the Interior Ministry. Supporters have hailed him as a reformist who modernized marriage registration and improved government revenue. “The efficiency we are seeing today is unprecedented,” remarked a civil servant in Abuja.
However, critics argue that the focus on revenue generation undermines the cultural and social significance of marriage. “We cannot place a price tag on marriage,” a social commentator insisted. As Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s tenure progresses, it remains to be seen whether his bold reforms will be remembered as a pioneering success or a contentious chapter in Nigeria’s governance history.
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