By Francis Wilfred
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has launched the Interior Electronic Records and Archiving System (IntERAS), beating the Federal Civil Service’s December 31, 2025 deadline for ministries to go digital. The unveiling took place in Abuja alongside the commissioning of the ministry’s ICT room.
In his address, Dr. Tunji-Ojo highlighted the significance of IntERAS, noting that the platform allows the ministry to operate mobile offices, making tasks more flexible and efficient. He explained that processes such as the issuance of electronic SEPAC forms have replaced manual applications, eliminating the need for applicants to travel long distances.
He further revealed that the ministry has built an 8.3-petabyte, Tier-4 data centre powered by solar energy to ensure government data ownership and sustainability. According to him, Nigerian borders are now under advanced surveillance, while the UN-mandated Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) enables immigration officers to know travelers’ identities before they arrive at entry points.
“You can apply online for citizenship, business permits, or even marriage licenses. No more paperwork,” he stated. He added that quota administration is now fraud-proof through harmonized data with the Nigeria Immigration Service, making profiling of immigrants and visitors more objective and reliable.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo commended President Bola Tinubu for his strategic leadership and support in driving reforms across the ministry. He also praised the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, alongside directors, consultants, and staff, for their efforts in making IntERAS a reality.
Dr. Ajani, in her remarks, disclosed that the ministry hosts all IntERAS operations on its own government platform mirrored in the NIS data centre. She explained that the project took nine months to complete and that the ministry currently has 275 computers, with plans to acquire more in 2025.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan, commended the ministry for its foresight and for being the first to fully align with the Enterprise Content Management System. She urged other ministries and departments to emulate the example, warning that the December 31 deadline must be met.
She praised Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s leadership, noting that the ministry has become a model of innovation by modernizing passport issuance, streamlining visa and residence permit applications, and strengthening border management systems.
The event concluded with the commissioning of the ministry’s ICT room.
