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The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has ordered passengers on all domestic flights to switch off their mobile phones and other portable electronic devices during take-off and landing, in line with global safety standards.
The directive was issued on Monday by the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, during an emergency meeting of the National Civil Aviation Security Committee (NCASC) in Abuja.
Najomo said the measure is designed to enhance flight safety and prevent potential interference with aircraft communication and navigation systems.
He also directed all Nigerian airline operators to amend their Operations Manuals accordingly and submit them to the NCAA for approval.
“The safety of passengers and crew is paramount. All electronic devices must be switched off during take-off and landing, in line with international best practices,” Najomo stressed.
The announcement follows the controversy surrounding passenger Comfort Emmanson, who was forcibly removed from an Ibom Air flight on August 10 after a confrontation with cabin crew.
The incident reportedly began when she declined to switch off her phone before take-off. Video footage of her removal went viral, sparking nationwide debate on airline procedures, passenger rights, and crew authority.
The NCAA, however, launched an independent investigation to ensure fairness and gather evidence. At least three passengers have since provided testimonies, offering varying perspectives on what transpired.
Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, has appealed to Emmanson to reach out to the authority and contribute to the ongoing inquiry.
With the new directive, the NCAA is reinforcing its position that compliance with cabin crew instructions is non-negotiable.
“Passengers must understand that safety rules are universal. Switching off phones and devices during critical phases of flight is not optional—it is mandatory,” Najomo said.
The regulatory authority said the Ibom Air incident has provided useful lessons and that data from its investigation would strengthen future safety messaging across Nigeria’s aviation sector.
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