Nigeria has officially joined the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Public Key Directory (PKD) and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), marking a significant step in modernizing the country’s border control systems.
This announcement was made by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo during the Country Signing Certificate Authority (CSCA) Import Ceremony in Montreal, Canada, alongside Kemi Nanna Nandap, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
Tunji-Ojo highlighted that Nigeria’s enrollment in the PKD and PKI is part of the government’s broader initiative to enhance the global ranking of the Nigerian passport and streamline the travel experience for both Nigerians and international visitors. The new system is expected to reduce wait times at airports and improve the efficiency of border management.
The PKD facilitates the global sharing of authentic travel document data among member states, while the PKI system ensures secure communication and data integrity through digital certificates and encryption. This infrastructure aims to bolster national security, facilitate inter-agency collaboration, and support the tourism sector by providing faster and more reliable travel document verification.
ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar, emphasized the importance of international cooperation in the PKD process, noting that effective implementation requires the involvement of multiple authorities.
Kemi Nanna Nandap assured that the necessary infrastructure and staff training are in place to support the new technology, which is anticipated to significantly enhance Nigeria’s border control capabilities.
This development is poised to improve Nigeria’s border governance, increase efficiency in travel, and strengthen the country’s position on the global stage.
