Nigeria has enrolled in the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Public Key Directory (PKD) and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), a move aimed at improving the global ranking of the Nigerian passport, enhancing ease of travel, and strengthening internal security.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, alongside Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Kemi Nanna Nandap, participated in the Import Ceremony of the Country Signing Certificate Authority (CSCA) held in Montreal, Canada, on Wednesday, under the guidance of ICAO officials.
Speaking after the event, Minister Tunji-Ojo highlighted that this initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to modernize border control systems, which will reduce waiting times at airports and other points of entry both domestically and internationally. “Our government is committed to increasing efficiency and enhancing the overall travel experience for Nigerians and international visitors alike,” said Tunji-Ojo. He added that this development aligns with the President’s focus on improving Nigeria’s global ranking and the ease of doing business.
Tunji-Ojo also emphasized the expected positive impact on the economy, tourism, and national security, noting that the upgraded system will facilitate better inter-agency collaboration, especially between the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigeria Immigration Service, which is the lead implementation agency.
ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar explained that the PKD enables member states to share and verify the authenticity of e-passports and other travel documents, enhancing global security standards. Salazar stressed the importance of national and international collaboration, as the system requires coordinated efforts from multiple authorities for the verification and authentication of travel documents.
Comptroller General of the NIS, Kemi Nanna Nandap, confirmed that the necessary infrastructure is in place for full implementation of the new technology. “The PKD/PKI will be a game changer for us, and we are eager to see its transformative impact,” Nandap stated, adding that staff training is underway in partnership with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to ensure smooth adoption of the new API/PNR modules.
Managed by ICAO, the PKD allows countries to authenticate e-passports and other travel documents, ensuring secure and efficient cross-border movement. Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) supports secure communication, data integrity, and document authentication through the use of digital certificates and public-private key pairs.
This development is expected to enhance security and streamline verification processes, in strict compliance with international standards, significantly benefiting Nigeria’s global standing and travel experience.
