In a significant diplomatic and technical victory, the Federal Republic of Nigeria has once again secured its seat on the influential Public Key Directory (PKD) Board of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This marks the country's sixth consecutive term on the board, underscoring its sustained leadership in global aviation security and digital identity management.
A Landmark Re-election in Montreal
The re-election was confirmed during the 31st PKD Board Meeting held on Thursday, 11th December 2025, in Montreal, Canada. Nigeria's delegation to the crucial election was led by the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap. According to a press release signed by the Service's Public Relations Officer, ACI Akinsola Akinlabi, and issued in Abuja, the successful bid was a direct result of Nigeria's consistent contributions and innovative practices within the ICAO framework.
The nation's return to the board was attributed to its proven track record in sharing implementation experiences and driving innovations in critical areas. These include Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), electronic Machine-Readable Travel Document (eMRTD) verification, and digital identity harmonization. This re-election solidifies Nigeria's position as one of fifteen esteemed board members selected from 107 participating states worldwide.
Nigeria's Pivotal Role Since 2009
Nigeria's journey with the ICAO-PKD began in 2009, and its membership has been instrumental in shaping the directory's strategic development and modernization efforts. The latest vote by member states is a strong recognition of Nigeria's technical expertise, compliance with ICAO's Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), and unwavering dedication to advancing global aviation security protocols.
The Nigeria Immigration Service emphasized that this achievement reaffirms its commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in fulfilling Nigeria's international obligations and maintaining an active, influential role within the global community. The service views this as a milestone that aligns with national objectives on the world stage.
Commitment to Border Security and Digital Integrity
Following the re-election, the NIS has restated its steadfast commitment to several core mandates. The service pledged to continue:
- Upholding the highest standards of border security and management.
- Advancing digital identity initiatives to keep pace with global trends.
- Safeguarding the integrity and credibility of all travel documents issued to Nigerian citizens and residents.
This continuous role on the ICAO PKD Board ensures that Nigeria remains at the decision-making table, influencing policies that affect international travel security, biometric standards, and the fight against document fraud for years to come.
