The Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has declared Nigeria's participation in the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Public Key Directory (PKD) and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).
This initiative, as stated by the Minister, is designed to improve the global standing of Nigeria's international passport, facilitate smoother travel, and enhance internal security measures.
Currently in Montreal, Canada, alongside Kemi Nanna Nandap, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Tunji-Ojo took part in the Country Signing Certificate Authority (CSCA) ceremony led by ICAO representatives. Following the event, he emphasized that this advancement aligns with the government's commitment to modernizing border control systems.
Tunji-Ojo remarked, "Our administration is focused on boosting efficiency and improving the overall travel experience for both Nigerians and international travelers. With our initiatives in Border Governance and Management, Nigerians can expect an end to prolonged waits and manual checks at airports worldwide.
The President is actively exploring avenues for growth and development in the country. The PKI/PKD initiative is another step towards enhancing our global standing and simplifying business operations."
He further expressed confidence that this development would positively influence the tourism sector and significantly enhance inter-agency cooperation, particularly between the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigeria Immigration Service, which is the primary implementation agency.
Juan Carlos Salazar, the Secretary General of ICAO, elaborated on the system's function, explaining that the Public Key Directory facilitates the secure sharing of authentic travel documents among member states globally.
Regarding the service's preparedness, Comptroller General of the NIS, Mrs. Nandap, stated: "The PKD/PKI will significantly alter our operations, and we are eager to witness its transformative impact. In collaboration with IATA, we are actively training our personnel to ensure they are well-versed in all aspects of the new API/PNR technology."