By Palma Ileye
Federal Government has strengthened the global authentication of Nigerian passports following the successful importation of the country’s Country Signing Certificate Authorities (CSCAs) into the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Public Key Directory (PKD).
The milestone, according to a press release signed yesterday by DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, the Service Spokesperson, is expected to enhance the international recognition and verification of Nigerian passports at border control points across ICAO member States.
The importation exercise was completed during a ceremony held yesterday at the ICAO Headquarters in Montreal, Canada.
Leading the Nigerian delegation, Comptroller-General of Immigration, NIS, Kemi Nandap, said the initiative was designed to address passive authentication challenges previously experienced by some Nigerian passport holders at selected foreign border control points.
With the successful integration of all Nigeria’s existing CSCAs into the ICAO Public Key Directory, border authorities in ICAO PKD member countries can now seamlessly verify the authenticity of Nigerian passports through a trusted digital authentication system.
The development is expected to improve border clearance processes, strengthen passport security, and enhance Nigeria’s compliance with international travel document standards.
The Nigeria Immigration Service said the achievement underscores its sustained investment in secure digital identity management and international border security cooperation in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to the Service, the integration also reinforces its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Nigerian travel documents while promoting global interoperability and smoother international travel for holders of Nigerian passports.
