Interior Minister Optimistic On Global Passport Ranking Boost

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced Nigeria’s inclusion in the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO’s) Public Key Directory (PKD) and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to improve the global ranking of its international passport, streamline border control, and enhance internal security.

Tunji-Ojo explained that the initiative aims to reduce wait times at airports and improve the travel experience, benefiting tourism and the economy. The NIS is ready to implement this system, which allows for authenticating travel documents, ensuring compliance with international standards, he said.

This is contained in a statement signed by the special assistant media to the minister, Babatunde Alao, on Thursday night .

He stated this on Wednesday in Montreal, Canada, alongside the comptroller-general of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) Kemi Nanna Nandap, when they attended the Import Ceremony of the Country Signing Certificate Authority (CSCA) led by ICAO officials.

Following the event, the minister highlighted that the initiative is part of federal government’s efforts to modernise border control systems. He emphasised that the modernisation aims to reduce waiting times at airports and entry points within and outside the country.

“Our government is committed to enhancing efficiency and improving the overall travel experience for both Nigerians and international visitors. With our effort 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.”Tunji-Ojo stated.

The minister stated that the new initiative, along with other revised government policies, is expected to positively affect the economy, tourism, and national security.

He said, “We firmly believe this will enhance the tourism ecosystem and foster crucial inter-agency collaboration, particularly between the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Immigration Service, the main implementation agency.”

Secretary -general of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Juan Carlos Salazar, elaborated on the system’s role, highlighting that the Public Key Directory (PKD) facilitates the sharing of authentic travel documents among member states globally.

He, however, stressed that national and international collaboration was vital as the infrastructure required multiple authorities to play their part in the process of verification and authentication of passport and travel document data.

Speaking on the readiness of the service, the Comptroller -general of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap, gave the assurance that necessary infrastructure to drive the new technology is already in place as full implementation begins.

“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 ” she said.