The Nigerian Government is set to introduce a Digital Travel Credential (DTC) to streamline air travel processes.
This was announced by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a two-day training on Advanced Passenger Information/Passenger Name Record (API/PNR) for select Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) personnel.
“We are already thinking of our digital travel certificate and other things to do. The IATA of Nigeria’s readiness for collaboration, saying there is no interagency rivalry that would stall such collaborations”.
The training is aimed at equipping officers with knowledge on API/PNR standards and implementation strategies to enhance border security. Notably, e-gates installed at international airports will allow Nigerian passengers to be cleared in just 14 seconds.
The API/PNR system will ensure more objective handling of passengers and help detect cross-border crimes before they occur.
Collaboration with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is key to the success of this project, which had been delayed for 14 years due to past conflicts between ministries.
However, this has been resolved under President Tinubu’s administration, allowing for a shift in NIS priorities toward border control and management.
So far, 100 officers have been trained to improve efficiency in border operations.
