Nigeria’s Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced the country’s enrolment in the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Public Key Directory (PKD) and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). The move aims to enhance the global ranking of Nigeria’s international passport, improve ease of travel, and bolster internal security.
During the event in Montreal, Canada, where Tunji-Ojo, along with Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Comptroller General Kemi Nanna Nandap, participated in the Import Ceremony of the Country Signing Certificate Authority (CSCA), the minister emphasized the government’s commitment to modernizing border control. The initiative is expected to reduce wait times at airports and other entry points globally.
Tunji-Ojo highlighted that the PKD/PKI system would not only streamline border processes but also support the government’s broader efforts to improve Nigeria’s ease of doing business and elevate its global ranking. “The era of endless waits and manual verifications at airports is over,” he declared, emphasizing the positive impacts on tourism, national security, and economic development.
Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary General of ICAO, explained that the PKD allows countries to share and authenticate travel documents, enhancing global security. Collaboration between national and international authorities is key to implementing the system.
Comptroller General Nandap confirmed that the NIS is prepared for the rollout, noting that staff are being trained to fully understand the technology and processes.
