Nigeria adopts ICAO e-passport verification system, enabling faster global border clearance

By Olamide Akintunde

Nigeria has integrated its electronic passport verification system into the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Public Key Directory (PKD), a move expected to enable faster and more secure authentication of Nigerian e-passports at border control points across participating countries.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced the development in a statement issued on July 15, saying the milestone follows the successful import of all of Nigeria’s Country Signing Certificate Authorities (CSCAs) into the ICAO PKD.

According to the Service, the achievement establishes the digital chain of trust required for immigration authorities in ICAO PKD member states to verify the authenticity of Nigerian e-passports automatically and securely.

The certificate import process was completed during a ceremony held in Canada on July 13 and led by the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap.

The NIS said the initiative was undertaken to address passive authentication challenges previously encountered by some Nigerian passport holders at selected foreign border control points.

“With the completion of the import process of all Nigeria’s existing CSCAs on the ICAO Public Key Directory to establish a chain of trust, Nigerian passports can now be verified seamlessly by border control systems in all ICAO PKD member states,” the Service said.

It described the development as another step in its ongoing efforts to strengthen digital identity management, enhance the security of Nigeria’s travel documents, and deepen international cooperation on border security in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Service added that the integration will improve the integrity and global acceptance of Nigerian e-passports while facilitating smoother border clearance for travellers.

The ICAO Public Key Directory is a global platform that enables participating countries to securely exchange the digital certificates needed to authenticate electronic passports. Rather than relying on bilateral exchanges of passport verification data, member states upload their digital certificates to a central repository, allowing border authorities worldwide to validate e-passports using internationally recognised standards.

The system promotes interoperability, strengthens border security, and reduces the risk of fraudulent travel documents.

According to ICAO, the PKD currently has more than 100 participating countries and organisations. With Nigeria’s Country Signing Certificate Authorities now integrated into the directory, immigration authorities across member states can seamlessly verify Nigerian e-passports, improve travel efficiency while enhance the security of international border management.