In recognition of the vital roles Nigeria has been playing on the global stage of electronic Travel Documents, the country has been re-elected as member of the International Civil Aviation Organization Public Key Directory (ICAO-PKD) Board for the fourth time.
The ICAO-PKD, is a central repository for exchanging the information required to authenticate electronic Machine Readable Travel Documents (eMRTDs) such as ePassports, electronic ID cards and Visible Digital Seals.
In a statement esigned by the NIS’ spokesman Tony Akuneme on behalf of the Comptroller General of Immigration, Isah Jere Idris, MFR and made available to African Business Travel News (ABTN), the election of Nigeria and other countries to the Board, was the high point of the 29th ICAO-PKD Board meeting held in Speke Resort Munyoyo, Uganda, from November 16 to 17, 2022.
The ICAO-PKD Board is the standing body responsible for the global aviation body’s administration and operation procedures to ensure efficient operation of the PKD, including its financial and contractual management. It as well develops policies.
ICAO-PKD is made up of 88 member countries, with 15 Board members who serve three year term each. Board members are nominated and voted by PKD participants and are appointed by ICAO Council in accordance with the provision of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Nigeria has over the years been an active participant in the ICAO-PKD Board meetings and has contributed immensely, especially on the issue of electronic Passport control system and border control solution.
The Nigerian delegation was led by the Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service.