Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority Mandates Complete Power-Down of Mobile Devices During Critical Flight Phases

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has immediately enacted a stringent new regulation requiring all mobile phones to be fully powered off during aircraft takeoff and landing, effectively prohibiting the previously tolerated use of flight mode. The directive, issued following an emergency stakeholder consultation, aims to standardize electronic device protocols and enhance aviation safety nationwide.

NCAA Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, confirmed that airlines must urgently revise their operational manuals to enforce complete device shutdown and submit these updates to the Authority for approval. This policy shift responds to recent incidents of passenger non-compliance, notably a disruptive event aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos involving a passenger who refused to power down her device, resulting in a physical altercation and an initial no-fly ban that was later rescinded.

The NCAA has underscored the necessity of enhanced training for aviation security and cabin crew in conflict de-escalation and passenger management. Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, emphasized that adherence to crew instructions is mandatory, and carriers must implement robust conflict resolution protocols.

To validate compliance and preparedness, the Authority will conduct mock response exercises in Lagos and Abuja next week. Concurrent public awareness campaigns will educate passengers on revised travel responsibilities, reaffirming the NCAA’s commitment to elevating safety and security across Nigeria’s air transport ecosystem.