The Federal Government has enhanced the global credibility and authentication of Nigerian passports following the successful integration of the country's Country Signing Certificate Authorities (CSCAs) into the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Public Key Directory (PKD).
The development, announced by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), is expected to eliminate passive authentication challenges encountered by some Nigerian passport holders at foreign border control points, the Service Public Relations Officer of NIS, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, said on Wednesday in a statement.
The certificate import process was completed during a ceremony held on July 13 at ICAO Headquarters in Montreal, Canada, led by the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap.
According to the NIS, the successful integration establishes a trusted digital verification chain, enabling immigration authorities in ICAO PKD member states to authenticate Nigerian passports quickly and securely.
The Service said the milestone marks a significant step in Nigeria's efforts to strengthen passport security, improve international border processing and align with global standards for travel document verification.
It added that the achievement reflects the Federal Government's commitment to modernising identity management systems and enhancing international border security cooperation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Nigeria Immigration Service reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Nigerian travel documents while promoting seamless cross-border travel and greater global interoperability for holders of Nigerian passports.