The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has outlawed the use of “flight mode,” directing that all passengers must switch off mobile phones and portable electronic devices entirely during aircraft take-off and landing.
The announcement was made by NCAA Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, at the National Civil Aviation Security Committee Meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.
He said the move brings Nigeria’s regulations in line with global aviation safety protocols, stressing that airlines must immediately reflect the directive in their operating manuals.
“All mobile phones— I repeat, all mobile phones and portable electronic devices—must be switched off during the critical phases of flight. There is nothing like ‘flight mode’ any longer,” Najomo declared.
Najomo explained that the new directive is part of a wider push to tackle unruly passenger behaviour and strengthen aviation security nationwide. He warned that the era of “business as usual” in Nigeria’s airports is over.
The NCAA, he said, will roll out public sensitisation campaigns through radio jingles and TV series to educate passengers about their responsibilities.
Airlines, meanwhile, will be compelled to provide conflict resolution training for their staff to better manage incidents onboard.
“If you are unruly, you will be treated as unruly. Things will not continue the way they used to. This is a new beginning,” he stressed.
The NCAA boss also highlighted the growing security threats facing the aviation industry, ranging from deliberate sabotage to protocol violations by passengers and operators.
He announced that mock emergency response drills will be staged in Lagos and Abuja next week to test the readiness of aviation security and law enforcement agencies.
“We will make our findings public. Aviation security personnel and intelligence partners must work hand in hand, share information, and act swiftly. Unruly behaviour cannot be completely eliminated, but we must manage it responsibly and professionally,” Najomo said.
Speaking further, Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, noted that enforcement measures will be applied on a case-by-case basis but emphasized Nigeria’s approach remains more “humane” than global standards.
“In many countries, even cooperative but unruly passengers face extreme prejudice. Here, we maintain balance. But passengers must use the NCAA as the proper channel for complaints. That is why we exist—to protect their rights,” Achimugu explained.
Reflecting on recent high-profile incidents involving celebrities and airline staff, Achimugu said lessons had been learned across the board.
“There is not one party involved that would repeat their mistakes—neither KWAM1, nor Comfort, nor the cabin crew. But there are systemic gaps we must urgently address,” he added.
