Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced the country’s enrollment 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 Nigeria’s international passport and enhancing internal security.
Speaking at the Country Signing Certificate Authority (CSCA) Import Ceremony in Montreal, Tunji-Ojo said, “Our government is particular about increasing efficiency and enhancing the overall travel experience for Nigerians and international visitors alike.”
The Minister highlighted the importance of this development in modernizing border control systems, reducing waiting times at airports, and improving the ease of passage for travelers. “Nigerians can be assured that the era of endless wait and manual verification at airports across the globe is over,” Tunji-Ojo added.
The move is part of broader efforts to enhance Nigeria’s Border Governance and Management system, which is expected to positively impact the country’s economy, tourism, and national security. “The PKI/PKD is another measure to increase our global ranking and ease of doing business,” he noted.
Kemi Nanna Nandap, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), who was also present at the ceremony, expressed confidence in the readiness of the country’s infrastructure to implement the new system. “The PKD/PKI will be a game changer for us, and we can’t wait to see it transform the face of things,” Nandap said.
Juan Carlos Salazar, ICAO’s Secretary General, explained that the PKD allows countries to share authentic travel documents globally, enhancing security and cooperation between national and international agencies. Salazar emphasized the need for collaboration to ensure the infrastructure functions effectively.
The new system is expected to reduce fraud and streamline the verification process for passports and travel documents in compliance with international standards.