International Passport: Nigeria Moves To Improve Global Rating
- Joins ICAO’s Public Key Directory
In a move to enhance the global ranking of its international passport, Nigeria has enrolled in the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Public Key Directory (PKD) and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on Wednesday in Montreal, Canada, alongside the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap, after participating in the Import Ceremony of the Country Signing Certificate Authority (CSCA) led by ICAO officials.
According to the Minister, the latest development is also aimed at ease of passage for holders of the Nigerian passport as well as beefing up internal security.
Tunji-Ojo Minister, who spoke shortly after the ceremony, said the development was informed by the government’s efforts to modernize border control systems, while reducing the waiting time at airports and other points of entry within and outside the country.
He further explained the move thus; “Our government is particular about increasing efficiency and enhancing the overall travel experience for Nigerians and international visitors alike
“With our efforts on Border Governance and Management, Nigerians can be assured that the era of endless wait and manual verification at airports across the globe is over.
“The President is constantly seeking means to enable growth and develop the country. The PKI/PKD is another measure to increase our global ranking and ease of doing business.”
The Interior Minister said among other reviewed policies of the government, the new development would have a positive impact on the economy, tourism, and national security.
Hear him; “While we strongly believe this will impact the tourism ecosystem, it will also play a critical role in facilitating inter-agency collaboration, especially between the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and the leading implementation agency, the Nigeria Immigration Service.”
In his remarks on the system, Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary General of ICAO), said the Public Key Directory (PKD) would enable the sharing of authentic travel documents among member states across the world.
However, Salazar maintained that national and international collaboration remain crucial ingredients because the infrastructure required multiple authorities to play their part in the process of verification and authentication of passport and travel document data.
Also commenting on the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)’s readiness to actively participate in the partnership, Comptroller General, Kemi Nanna Nandap, assured that the necessary infrastructure to drive the new technology is now in place as full implementation commences soon.
Nandap said; “The PKD/PKI will be a game changer for us, and we can’t wait to see it transform the face of things. In partnership with IATA, we are currently training our staff so that they understand the full modules of the new technology of API/PNR”.
The ICAO-managed PKD allows countries to check the authenticity of e-passports and other travel documents when travellers cross borders.
On its part, the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a system that uses digital certificates and public-private key pairs to ensure secure communication, data integrity, and authentication of documents.
For now, many stakeholders are already applauding the development, stating that it would ensure enhanced security in strict compliance with international standards and global best practices, especially in relation to ease of verification
