Nigeria Upgrades Passport Verification, Joins ICAO Network

On July 13, 2026, the Nigerian government upgraded its passport verification system by joining the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) global network. The ceremony took place at the ICAO headquarters in Montreal, Canada, and was marked by a statement signed in Abuja by the Nigerian Immigration Service's public relations officer, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi.

This development, under the leadership of Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, is expected to improve global verification of Nigerian passports and eliminate authentication challenges previously encountered by holders at foreign border control points.

Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Kemi N. Nandap, led the exercise to ensure that Nigeria's passport data is accessible within the ICAO Public Key Directory (PKD) system, allowing for seamless verification across member countries.

This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in promoting secure travel documents and enhancing border security for Nigerian citizens.