NCAA Issues New Directive on Phones in Flights
By Ojo Ayodeji
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has ordered all passengers on domestic and international airlines to completely switch off their mobile phones and portable electronic devices during critical phases of flight.
This directive bans the long-practiced use of “airplane mode”, a move the NCAA says is crucial for aviation safety.
The announcement was made by the Director-General of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.
End of “Business as Usual” in Nigerian Airspace
Capt. Najomo declared that the authority is tightening compliance rules for both airlines and passengers, stressing that the days of lax enforcement are over.
“We will embark on nationwide sensitisation through radio and television campaigns to educate passengers on their responsibilities,” he said.
The NCAA boss also confirmed that mock drills and strict monitoring will be carried out to test airlines’ readiness and enforce safety procedures.
Airlines Ordered to Train Staff on Conflict Resolution
As part of the new safety measures, the NCAA has directed airlines to retrain their crew members on how to professionally manage difficult passengers.
Najomo said: “We are going to ensure that airlines conduct adequate training in conflict resolution to prevent escalation of incidents on board.”
Crackdown on Unruly Passenger Behaviour
The regulation comes amid rising concerns over unruly passenger conduct, including a recent case involving Comfort Emmanson and an Ibom Air cabin crew.
Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, said the authority is determined to enforce global best practices.
“This is not peculiar to Nigeria; unruly acts are treated with severe consequences worldwide. Here, we are even more humane,” Achimugu stated.
NCAA Reassures Passengers of Protection
The NCAA urged travellers to always channel complaints and grievances through its consumer protection desk, assuring that passenger rights remain safeguarded.
According to the authority, the ultimate goal is to create a safer, more secure, and passenger-friendly aviation system in Nigeria.
About The Author
