Nigeria has again secured re-election to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Public Key Directory (PKD) Board, marking its sixth consecutive term and reinforcing the country’s growing influence and credibility in global aviation security and travel document integrity.
The re-election took place on Thursday, December 11, 2025, during the 31st ICAO-PKD Board Meeting held in Montreal, Canada, according to a statement issued by Akinsola Akinlabi, National Spokesperson of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
The statement released on Wednesday disclosed that Kemi Nandap, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, led Nigeria’s delegation to the meeting, where the country secured another term on the board based on its sustained technical contributions, practical implementation experience, and innovative approaches to public key infrastructure systems.
It explained that Nigeria’s role has been particularly notable in areas such as electronic Machine-Readable Travel Document (e-MRTD) verification, digital identity harmonisation, and the secure exchange of authentication data used in cross-border travel.
These contributions, the statement noted, have continued to support ICAO’s broader objectives of strengthening aviation security and facilitating safe and seamless international travel.
“Nigeria has been a member of the ICAO-PKD since 2009 and has consistently contributed to its strategic growth and modernisation.
“This renewed mandate recognises Nigeria’s technical competence, compliance, and unwavering commitment to ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices, placing the country among the fifteen Board Members drawn from 107 participating States”, the statement read in part.
The ICAO Public Key Directory plays a critical role in global aviation security by enabling the verification of electronic travel documents, such as e-passports, through a trusted framework for the exchange of public key certificates among member states.
According to the NIS, Nigeria’s re-election also reflects the Service’s alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, particularly in the areas of digital transformation, border management, and international cooperation.
The statement further reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Immigration Service to enhancing border security, advancing digital identity initiatives, and protecting the integrity of travel documents issued to Nigerians and residents.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains steadfast in strengthening border security, advancing digital identity solutions, and safeguarding the integrity of travel documents in line with global best practices,” the statement added.
