By: Eugene Upah
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has implemented a new, unified regulation banning the use of “airplane mode” on flights and mandating that all mobile phones and other electronic devices be completely switched off during the critical phases of take-off and landing.
The announcement was made by the Director-General of the NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, during a stakeholders’ meeting on aviation security in Abuja on Tuesday. The new directive marks a significant change from the long-standing practice of allowing passengers to use “flight mode.”
“All mobile phones, I repeat, all mobile phones and other portable electronic devices should be switched off during at least the critical phase of flight on all Nigerian airlines. Switched off,” Captain Najomo stated.
He further rejected the use of “flight mode,” emphasizing, “There’s nothing like anything like flight mode any longer. Must be switched off.”
Najomo stated that Nigerian air operators are now required to amend their operations manuals to reflect the new requirement and submit them to the NCAA for approval.
The new rule is part of a series of tougher measures being introduced to address a growing trend of unruly passenger behavior and enhance aviation security across the country. Najomo warned that the era of “business as usual” is over, committing the Authority to stricter enforcement and public awareness campaigns to educate travelers on their responsibilities.
“We’re going to do a lot of radio jingles, TV series,” he said, adding that “things will not be as usual as what it is. If you’re unruly, you’re unruly.”
Najomo also stressed that the NCAA would compel airlines to implement “adequate training of conflict resolutions” for their staff.
Talking about the multifaceted threats to aviation security, including non-compliance with protocols and inadequate collaboration among agencies, Najomo called for a “decisive, united, and accountable response.” He announced that the NCAA would conduct mock response exercises next week in Lagos and Abuja to test the readiness of all stakeholders.
“So if you think in your mind you are going to come and be unruly passengers, we’re waiting for you,” he warned.
Michael Achimugu, the Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs at the NCAA, confirmed that enforcement procedures would be determined on a case-by-case basis. He noted that while Nigeria’s approach is “more humane,” unruly behavior is often treated with “extreme prejudice” in other countries.
