In recognition of the vital role 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.
A signed statement by the NIS Public Rations Officer, Tony Akuneme made available to Channel Network Afrique, CNA indicates that the ICAO-PKD is a central repository for exchanging the information required to authenticate electronic Machine Readable Travel Documents (e-MRTDs) such as ePassports, electronic ID cards and Visible Digital Seals.
He noted that 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.
According to Akuneme, the Board is the standing body responsible for the ICAO administration and operation procedures to ensure efficient operation of the PKD, including its financial and contractual management as well as develops policies.
The ICAO-PKD is made up of 88 member countries, with 15 Board members who serves 3 years term each, the board members are nominated and voted by PKD participants and are appointed by ICAO Council in accordance with the provision of the MoU.
The highpoint of the 29th ICAO-PKD Board meeting which held in Speke Resort Munyoyo, Uganda from 16th to 17th of November, 2022, with the Nigeria delegation led by the Comptroller General of Immigration, Isah Jere Idris, was the election of Nigeria and other countries to the Board.
