Abuja, Nigeria – Nigeria is set to introduce a Digital Travel Certificate (DTC) to bolster security at its borders and streamline the travel experience for visitors, aligning with global best practices. This announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji Ojo.
The DTC, a digital representation of a traveler’s identity, aims to replace traditional passports. It includes facial images, biographical data, and security features, enabling efficient verification of traveler identities and vaccination statuses.
Minister Tunji-Ojo made the announcement during the closing ceremony of a two-day capacity-building workshop for Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) personnel on Advanced Passenger Information/Passenger Name Record (API/PNR) solutions. The workshop, organized by Newworks and led by International Air Transport Association (IATA) specialists, focused on equipping NIS officers with the skills to effectively utilize these advanced technologies.
“We are not stopping here,” said Minister Tunji-Ojo, emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to implementing cutting-edge border security solutions. “Once we deploy API/PNR, we are already considering our DTC. We are open to collaborating with IATA on any other border control solutions that can benefit our emerging economy.”
The Controller General of the NIS, Kemi Nana Nandap, highlighted the significance of the API/PNR training. She stated that the training would enhance border security, streamline airport clearance, and enable proactive monitoring of cross-border crimes. “With API/PNR, we can pull data from airlines, giving us a better understanding of who is entering our country and allowing us to prepare accordingly,” she said.
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