The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a strict directive to all airline operators and passengers, mandating that mobile phones and portable electronic devices be completely switched off during critical phases of flight. The longstanding practice of using “flight mode” is now officially prohibited.
Announcing the policy, NCAA Director-General, Captain Chris Najomo, declared “All mobile phones and portable electronic devices must be switched off during at least the critical phases of flight. Flight mode is no longer acceptable.”
He further instructed Nigerian airline operators to update their operations manuals to reflect this change and submit them for NCAA approval.
Najomo made the announcement during a stakeholders’ forum in Abuja, themed the National Civil Aviation Security Committee Meeting.
He emphasized that the decision is part of a broader strategy to tackle rising incidents of unruly passenger behavior and enhance security protocols across the nation’s airports.
“We’ve reached a point where it can’t be business as usual,” Najomo stated. “Passengers need to understand their responsibilities, and airlines must enforce proper conduct onboard.”
He revealed plans to launch a public enlightenment campaign, including radio jingles and TV series, aimed at educating passengers about their expected behavior and the consequences of misconduct.
Najomo announced that the NCAA will enforce mandatory conflict resolution training for airline personnel.
“Operators that haven’t conducted this training must go back and implement it immediately,” he warned.
Highlighting emerging security threats, he cited issues such as deliberate sabotage, poor coordination among agencies, and non-compliance with aviation protocols.
“These require a unified, accountable response,” he said To test readiness, the NCAA will conduct mock emergency response drills in Lagos and Abuja next week, with findings to be made public.
“If you plan to act unruly, we’re prepared,” Najomo said. “Aviation security and law enforcement will be trained and equipped to respond professionally and decisively.”
While acknowledging that unruly incidents may never be entirely eliminated, Najomo stressed the importance of being prepared.
“We must manage such events professionally and in line with established procedures,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Michael Achimugu, Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs at NCAA, addressed enforcement procedures.
“Globally, unruly passengers are treated with strict measures. Nigeria remains humane, but we won’t tolerate misconduct,” he said.
Achimugu urged passengers to lodge their complaints through official NCAA channels and praised the authority’s recent handling of high-profile incidents.
“These events have been valuable learning opportunities for everyone involved—passengers, crew, and the system itself,” he added.
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