The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a new directive mandating all passengers aboard Nigerian airlines to completely switch off their mobile phones and electronic devices during critical phases of flight — specifically, take-off and landing — effectively ending the long-standing use of “flight mode.”
This was announced by the Director General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, during the National Civil Aviation Security Committee Meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Capt. Najomo made it clear that the previous practice of allowing electronic devices to remain on in flight mode is no longer acceptable.
“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,” Najomo declared.
Rejecting any ambiguity surrounding flight mode, he stressed:
“There’s nothing like anything like flight mode any longer. Must be switched off. Nigerian air operators are therefore required to amend their operations manual to reflect this requirement and submit to the NCAA for approval, if different from this resolution.”
In addition to the electronics ban, Capt. Najomo announced a broader clampdown on what he described as a rising trend of unruly passenger behavior across Nigeria’s airports.
“We have a new beginning from where we are. It will not be business as usual. I can assure you that,” he stated firmly.
He revealed plans for nationwide public sensitization campaigns to educate passengers on their responsibilities and the consequences of misconduct.
“I’ve told the Director of Consumer Protection we’re going to do a lot of radio jingles, TV series. We’re going to go on air… to inform passengers of their responsibilities. Going further, things will not be as usual as what it is. If you’re unruly, you’re unruly.”
The Director General warned that airlines must take conflict management seriously by ensuring their staff are adequately trained.
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“We are going to start checking that you would do the adequate training,” he warned. “If you haven’t done it, please go back and make sure you get this done.”
Addressing aviation safety and security, Najomo highlighted threats ranging from sabotage attempts to poor adherence to protocols by service providers and airport staff.
“The threats we face in aviation, stemming from deliberate or attempted sabotage, non-compliance with aviation protocols by traveling public, non-implementation of approved standard operating procedures by service providers… require a decisive, united, and accountable response.”
To test readiness, Capt. Najomo disclosed that mock response exercises would be conducted in Lagos and Abuja the following week.
“We are going to do a mock response next week. We are going to carry it out in Lagos and Abuja, and we are going to come up with a result. And I’m going to go public and tell them what we have decided. So if you think in your mind you are going to come and be unruly passengers, we’re waiting for you.”
He emphasized the need for seamless collaboration among all aviation stakeholders — airlines, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies — in responding to threats.
“Aviation security personnel and law enforcement must be reinforced with training, professionalism, and clearly defined rules of engagement. All stakeholders… must work without silos to share threat intelligence and coordinate rapid response.”
While acknowledging that unruly incidents can’t be completely eliminated, Najomo said preparedness is essential.
“The reality is that unruly acts can never be eliminated totally. So, we must be ready to manage and resolve these incidents, and if and when they occur, in line with the standard protocols, professionally and responsibly.”
Also speaking at the event, Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, addressed enforcement policies regarding passenger behavior.
“This is global. In Nigeria, we are even more humane. In most cases abroad, even if you are cooperative, unruly behaviour is treated with extreme prejudice,” he said.
Achimugu urged passengers to direct their complaints to the NCAA for proper handling.
“This is the reason the Authority exists: to protect passengers’ rights,” he added.
Reflecting on recent high-profile incidents involving celebrities and airline staff, Achimugu expressed satisfaction with how the Authority managed the situations.
“I am happy about the recent events. I am proud of the way the NCAA handled these issues. There is not one party involved who would repeat their errors. Not KWAM1. Not Comfort. Not the pilot or cabin crew. But, there are gaps in the system that need to be plucked as a matter of urgency.”