The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has issued a new directive mandating all airline passengers to fully switch off their mobile phones and portable electronic devices during aircraft take-off and landing, scrapping the long-standing practice of using “flight mode”.
Capt. Chris Najomo, Director General of the NCAA, disclosed this while addressing stakeholders at the National Civil Aviation Security Committee Meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.
“All mobile phones — I repeat — all mobile phones and portable electronic devices must be switched off during the critical phases of flight. There is nothing like flight mode anymore,” Najomo said firmly.
He explained that Nigerian air operators have been instructed to amend their operational manuals to reflect the updated safety protocols and submit the revised documents for approval.
According to the NCAA boss, the decision is part of tougher measures aimed at curbing rising incidents of unruly passenger behaviour and enhancing aviation safety standards nationwide. “Going forward, it will not be business as usual,” he warned. “We are committed to stricter compliance from both airlines and passengers.”
Najomo hinted at a nationwide passenger sensitisation campaign that will include radio jingles and television features to enlighten travellers on their responsibilities while flying.
“We are going to be fully public with this. If you are unruly, we will not tolerate it. We will make sure everyone understands their role and complies with safety regulations,” he stressed.
He further revealed plans to conduct mock emergency response exercises in Lagos and Abuja next week to assess the preparedness of aviation security personnel and agencies.
On staff training requirements, Najomo noted that airlines must immediately ensure adequate conflict resolution training for employees, adding: “If you have not done so, please go back and get it done.”
Supporting the new stance, NCAA’s Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, said enforcement procedures would depend on specific incidents and security personnel would adopt the best approach in each case.
“This is global practice. In Nigeria, we are even humane, but make no mistake — unruly behaviour will be dealt with,” Achimugu said. “Passengers should always channel complaints through the NCAA. That is why we exist — to protect their rights.”
He added, “Recent incidents involving high-profile individuals have shown that when we act decisively, no one repeats their mistakes. But there are still gaps we have to plug urgently.”
The Authority reiterated its commitment to promoting a safer, more secure aviation sector, while warning that passengers and operators alike should expect stricter enforcement of regulations going forward.
