The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed that all mobile phones and other portable electronic devices be completely switched off during the critical phases of flight on all Nigerian airlines, banning phone airplane mode.
This new regulation, announced by the Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, marks a significant shift from the previously accepted practice of using devices in phone “flight mode.”
“We’re going to do a lot of radio jingles, TV series… We’ll make sure that we take all these preambles of informing passengers… of their responsibilities,” Najomo said.
He implored the authority’s commitment to enforcing stricter compliance by both airlines and passengers.
The NCAA’s decision aims to enhance aviation security and address the growing trend of “unruly” passenger (Comfort Emmanson’s) behavior.
Najomo warned that the era of “business as usual” is over and that the authority will be conducting mock response exercises to test readiness.
“We’re going to start checking that you would do the adequate training,” Najomo said, stressing that airlines will be compelled to implement “adequate training of conflict resolutions” for their staff.
The Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, NCAA, Michael Achimugu, also highlighted the importance of security personnel being prepared to handle unruly acts professionally and responsibly.
“This is global. In Nigeria, we are even more humane. In most cases abroad, even if you are cooperative, unruly behavior is treated with extreme prejudice,” Achimugu explained.
Passengers are urged to channel complaints through the NCAA, which exists to protect passengers’ rights.
The authority’s new measures aim to promote a safer and more secure aviation environment.
