By Francis Ajuonuma
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed that all passengers aboard domestic flights in the country must completely switch off their mobile phones and portable electronic devices during critical phases of flight take-off and landing.
This regulatory move comes in the wake of a recent viral altercation involving a passenger, Comfort Emmanson, and a flight attendant on Ibom Air, which sparked public debates about airlines’ varying in-flight phone policies and the confusion they create among travellers.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, NCAA Director-General, Capt Chris Najomo said the directive was issued to eliminate ambiguity and standardise safety protocols across all Nigerian carriers.
“As a takeaway and to avoid ambiguity and confusion, all mobile phones and other portable electronic devices should be switched off during the critical stages of flight on all Nigerian airlines. Switch off, nothing like flight mode any longer,” Najomo declared.
According to him, all Nigerian airline operators are required to amend their operational manuals to reflect the new directive and submit them to the NCAA for approval.
He added that the crew will bear the responsibility of informing passengers, while compliance rests with travellers.
Najomo stressed that the decision was a safety-first measure, explaining that while global aviation rules traditionally permitted the use of “flight mode,” recent incidents in Nigeria necessitated stricter enforcement.
He, however, noted that the policy may be reviewed in the future as aircraft technology advances.
The development highlights the NCAA’s efforts to reassert control and standardise aviation practices following repeated complaints of inconsistency across airlines.
It also signals the regulator’s attempt to restore passenger confidence after a series of “unpalatable” airport incidents.
