The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has introduced a unified regulation directing that all mobile phones and electronic devices must be completely switched off during the critical phases of flights, specifically take-off and landing.
Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, made the announcement on Tuesday through his official X handle.
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He explained that the long-standing practice of allowing passengers to place devices in aeroplane mode has been suspended, pending further regulatory reviews to reflect emerging technological realities. All airlines operating in Nigeria have been instructed to revise their security programmes in line with the new directive.
“Henceforth, the regulation concerning phones and other electronic devices in Nigeria has been unified: all phones must be switched off during the critical aspects of take-off and landing. All airlines must amend their security programmes to reflect this if different in their current programmes. No more airplane mode until regulations are reviewed to reflect evolving technological situations,” Achimugu stated.
Alongside the policy change, the NCAA has also summoned a passenger, Ms Comfort Emmanson, together with members of Ibom Air’s cabin crew, for questioning over an incident that occurred on an Uyo–Lagos flight on 10 August.
Viral footage circulated on social media showed Emmanson being dragged by airline staff during the flight, sparking widespread outrage and demands for accountability.
Achimugu confirmed that NCAA officials had already spoken with Emmanson earlier on Tuesday, and that she, together with the crew members involved, is expected to appear before the Authority on Wednesday for further questioning.
“I spoke with Emmanson this morning. We are also inviting the Ibom Air cabin crew for continued investigation on the incident. They will be here tomorrow,” he said.
He added that the pilot-in-command did not immediately call in security personnel after the aircraft landed in Lagos, as the dispute appeared to have been resolved before take-off from Uyo. However, tensions resurfaced when Emmanson, who had gone to the restroom after touchdown, became the last passenger to disembark.
Achimugu gave assurances that the NCAA would conduct a comprehensive investigation to establish the facts and guarantee fairness for all parties involved.
At the same meeting, Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, criticised the increasing number of unruly incidents involving air passengers, as well as lapses in professional conduct among aviation workers. He called on all stakeholders to support the NCAA in enforcing safety and service standards across the sector.
