By Peter Omopo / 20th August 2025
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reiterated that passengers must completely switch off their mobile phones and other electronic devices during aircraft take-off and landing, stressing that the measure is crucial for aviation safety.
Speaking on Arise Television’s News Night on Tuesday, NCAA spokesperson, Michael Achimugu, said compliance was not optional as it forms part of airlines’ security programmes and safeguards passengers’ lives.
Achimugu’s clarification followed a recent incident in which Ibom Air banned a passenger, Comfort Emmanson, after she physically assaulted a crew member who instructed her to turn off her phone before departure.
“There are too many arguments over whether to switch off phones or use aeroplane mode. Unfortunately, people fail to grasp the crux of the matter. Some aircraft are equipped to fly with devices on aeroplane mode, some are not. Different airlines have different security programmes,” he explained.
He emphasised that the pilot, as captain of the aircraft, has the final authority, warning that disobedience to crew instructions could endanger lives.
“A single mistake by one individual can cause a mishap. So, if the cabin crew says ‘turn off your phone,’ that is not the time for arguments. In aviation, every tiny mistake can lead to disaster,” Achimugu warned.
The NCAA had earlier insisted that flight mode will no longer be accepted on Nigerian airlines. Its Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, made the declaration at the National Civil Aviation Security Committee Meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Najomo directed that all passengers must power off their devices during critical flight phases, stressing that operators must update their manuals to reflect the new directive.
“There’s nothing like flight mode any longer. All mobile phones and portable electronic devices should be switched off, I repeat, switched off, during take-off and landing,” he said.
The NCAA also announced stricter measures to curb unruly passenger behaviour at airports nationwide, warning that the era of non-compliance with aviation safety rules is over.
