The Federal Government has unveiled plans to transform innovative ideas generated within the public service into commercially viable ventures, as part of efforts to deepen institutional reforms, improve service delivery and unlock economic value from government-driven solutions.
The move was announced by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during the .maiden edition of the Ministry of Interior Innovation Challenge Award Ceremony and Joint Union Council Week celebration held in Abuja.
Tunji-Ojo said the government would begin exploring ways to implement and commercialise practical innovations developed by staff of the ministry and its agencies, stressing that creativity in public institutions must move beyond theory to tangible impact.
“We must ensure that these innovations come to fruition. Ideas are valuable only when they solve problems and improve lives. We should begin to explore possible investment opportunities and commercialization of some of these innovations,” the minister said.
He emphasized that innovation remains central to national development and institutional transformation, adding that public institutions must create enabling environments that encourage creativity and problem-solving.
According to him, recognition of innovation is necessary for national progress, noting that institutions seeking relevance must continuously evolve and support original thinking among workers.
“No society can grow without innovation. Every institution that intends to remain relevant must encourage people to think differently and develop solutions,” he stated.
Tunji-Ojo also charged staff of the ministry and its agencies to sustain their commitment toward achieving stronger outcomes in the final phase of the current administration, expressing confidence that the sector could surpass previous milestones.
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He commended participants in the Innovation Challenge for demonstrating creativity, initiative and dedication towards improving public service delivery.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, said the Innovation Challenge was introduced to stimulate practical and implementable ideas aimed at improving institutional efficiency and contributing to national development.
Ajani noted that despite funding constraints and the absence of recent capital releases, the ministry had continued to prioritise staff welfare and fulfil obligations to both serving and retired personnel.
She disclosed that retirees had continued to receive full repatriation benefits, while serving staff had also received their entitlements, including first 21-day allowances.
The permanent secretary encouraged workers to sustain innovative thinking to strengthen service delivery and support ongoing reforms within the ministry and its agencies.
Speaking on behalf of organised labour, Chairman of the Joint Union Council, Comrade Elabor Mohammed, commended the ministry’s management for prioritising staff welfare and maintaining cordial relations with workers.
He highlighted recent interventions, including the provision of additional shuttle buses for staff, improvements at the staff clinic, establishment of a cafeteria and other measures aimed at improving workers’ wellbeing.
Mohammed described the relationship between management and labour unions as productive and harmonious, expressing optimism that continued collaboration would further strengthen industrial peace within the ministry.
As part of the event, Tunji-Ojo was presented with an Award for Excellence by the Ministry’s Joint Union Council, alongside the Permanent Secretary, directors and selected staff members.
Outstanding participants in the Innovation Challenge were also recognised for their contributions, as the event ended with renewed calls for innovation, professionalism, teamwork and dedication in advancing the Ministry’s reform agenda and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
By PRNigeria
