The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a fresh directive requiring all passengers to completely switch off their mobile phones and other electronic devices during aircraft take-off and landing.
This was made known on Tuesday in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) by Mr. Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA. According to him, the new instruction is part of efforts to harmonize aviation regulations in Nigeria and ensure passenger safety.
The announcement came shortly after an emergency meeting held with key stakeholders in the aviation industry. While the details of the meeting were not made public, it is understood that the focus was on improving safety procedures and standardizing operating guidelines across all Nigerian airports and airlines.
In recent years, most passengers have grown accustomed to simply switching their phones to “airplane mode” before a flight begins. However, the NCAA says that will no longer be enough during the critical phases of flight — take-off and landing.
“All phones must now be completely switched off, not just put on airplane mode, during take-off and landing,” Mr. Achimugu stated.
He explained that this move is in line with international best practices and is meant to reduce the risk of electronic interference with aircraft communication and navigation systems. Though modern aircraft are built to withstand minor interference, the NCAA says it is not taking chances, especially during critical flight moments.
Take-off and landing are widely recognized as the most sensitive parts of a flight. According to global aviation safety statistics, the majority of aircraft accidents occur during these two phases. Therefore, any potential distraction — even from electronic devices is considered a serious concern.
The NCAA’s decision is meant to eliminate any possible interference or distraction that could arise from mobile devices during these periods.
“Safety must come first,” Achimugu added. “We understand that people want to stay connected, but nothing is more important than the safety of passengers and crew.”
All airlines operating in Nigeria are now expected to implement this directive with immediate effect. Cabin crew will also be mandated to ensure that passengers comply with the new order before every take-off and landing.
Passengers who refuse to obey the instruction may face penalties, including removal from flights or being blacklisted by airlines.
The NCAA also advised passengers to cooperate fully with flight crew members and to report any violations they observe during flights.
Though some international airlines already enforce similar rules, implementation has been inconsistent in Nigeria. The new directive seeks to close that gap and bring Nigeria in line with global aviation safety practices.
In other countries, particularly in the U.S. and parts of Europe, the use of phones during take-off and landing has long been restricted. While some airlines now permit phone use with airplane mode enabled throughout the flight, many still enforce a full shutdown during the aircraft’s most critical phases.
The NCAA emphasized that its decision was made in the best interest of public safety and aligns with recommendations from international aviation bodies.
The NCAA’s announcement has sparked mixed reactions online, especially on social media platforms where many Nigerians expressed concern, confusion, and even skepticism.
Some users welcomed the move, saying stricter rules were needed to improve safety and discipline in the country’s air travel sector. Others, however, questioned whether mobile phones really pose a serious threat to modern aircraft systems.
The NCAA says it is better to be safe than sorry.
To ensure that passengers understand the new rule, the NCAA announced plans to launch a public awareness campaign. The campaign will include airport posters, airline announcements, and social media messages explaining why the rule is important and how passengers can comply.
Achimugu also said that flight crews will receive additional training on how to manage and enforce the new directive respectfully but firmly.
