Nigeria joins ICAO PKD, enhancing passport authentication

The Federal Government of Nigeria, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Ministry of Interior, has completed the integration of all Nigerian Country Signing Certificate Authorities (CSCAs) into the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Public Key Directory (PKD). The ceremony took place on 13 July 2026 at ICAO headquarters in Montreal, Canada, and was overseen by Comptroller‑General of Immigration Kemi Nandap.

The move creates a digital chain of trust that allows border control systems in all ICAO PKD member states to verify Nigerian electronic passports in real time, eliminating previously reported passive authentication challenges at select foreign border points. Officials said the integration will improve border security, reduce travel delays and align Nigeria’s travel documents with global standards, supporting the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda for secure, interoperable digital identity.

“The milestone reflects the Nigeria Immigration Service’s continued investment in secure digital identity management and international border security cooperation,” a service spokesperson said.

With the PKD participation, Nigerian passport holders can expect smoother international clearance and stronger protection against document fraud.