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‘Passengers Must Switch Off Phones’ – NCAA Rolls Out New Rule
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New directive follows recent unruly passenger incidents at Nigerian airports.
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Aviation security agencies urged to step up enforcement and training.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a directive mandating that all passengers switch off their mobile phones during aircraft take-off and landing.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the directive, announced on Tuesday by NCAA Director-General, Captain Chris Najomo, follows recent incidents of unruly passenger behaviour at Nigerian airports. Najomo made the disclosure during the National Civil Aviation Security Committee (NCASC) meeting convened to address challenges of aviation security and prevent further breaches.
He explained that a memo would be circulated to all airlines, instructing them to update their safety protocols to reflect the new regulation. According to him, failure to tackle unruly passenger behaviour could erode public trust in the aviation sector.
Najomo stressed that the meeting was not to apportion blame but to strengthen inter-agency coordination, analyse lapses, and deploy immediate corrective measures. He highlighted the importance of regular training, retraining, and awareness campaigns on aviation security for both staff and passengers.
“This engagement is about listening, discussing, and awakening us to our collective responsibility towards a safe and secure air transport sector,” Najomo said.
Also speaking, the NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, reiterated that passengers must comply with instructions from pilots and cabin crew at all times. He cautioned that while passengers have rights, they must also uphold their responsibilities to ensure flight safety.
Achimugu noted that unruly passengers are treated differently depending on their level of cooperation, adding that global aviation rules are often more stringent than those in Nigeria. He commended the NCAA’s handling of recent incidents, including high-profile cases, but stressed the need to close existing gaps in enforcement.
He further urged aviation security agencies to intensify regulatory enforcement,
