NCAA
By Abayomi Grace
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed that all mobile phones must be completely switched off during aircraft take-off and landing. This decision was announced by Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, via an X post on Tuesday. The regulation on phones and other electronic devices has been unified across the industry, and airlines are required to amend their security programs accordingly.
The directive follows an emergency meeting held with industry stakeholders earlier on Tuesday, where the NCAA emphasized the importance of safety during flights. According to Achimugu, “ALL PHONES MUST BE SWITCHED OFF DURING THE CRITICAL ASPECTS OF TAKE-OFF AND LANDING.” This means that airplane mode will no longer be permitted until the regulations are reviewed to reflect evolving technological situations.
The NCAA’s decision is aimed at preventing signal interference with aircraft systems, protecting pilot ground communication, and avoiding passenger distraction during safety briefings and emergencies. The directive comes after a recent incident involving a passenger, Comfort Emmanson, and Ibom Air crew members, where Emmanson refused to switch off her phone during a flight from Uyo to Lagos. The incident escalated into a scuffle upon landing, leading to Emmanson’s arrest and a court case.
Failure to comply with the NCAA’s directive may lead to prosecution, fines, or imprisonment. According to Section 85(3) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority Act 2022, any person who uses or operates a device that may interfere with the aircraft’s radio frequency or navigational equipment onboard an aircraft commits an offense and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding N200,000 or imprisonment for a term of at least two months or both.
The NCAA’s directive aims to ensure safety during flights and prevent potential risks associated with electronic device usage during take-off and landing. Airlines are expected to review their operational and security manuals to align with the updated policy, ensuring stricter compliance during the most sensitive phases of flight.
