The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) now says all mobile phones must be completely turned off during take-off and landing on flights in Nigeria.
This new rule was announced on Tuesday by the Director General of the NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, during a meeting in Abuja. The meeting was called the “National Civil Aviation Security Committee Meeting.”
Najomo explained that passengers can no longer use “flight mode” during flights. Instead, they must fully switch off all electronic devices when flying.
He said the rules about phones and other devices are now the same for all airlines in Nigeria. The option to just use “flight mode” is no longer allowed.
“All phones and other portable devices must be turned off during the important parts of the flight,” he said. “There’s no more flight mode—phones must be off. Nigerian airlines must also update their operation manuals to match this rule and get approval from the NCAA if their rules are different.”
Najomo also said new strict rules are being introduced to deal with passengers who behave badly at airports. He warned that things won’t continue the way they used to.
He explained that the meeting was held so everyone—airlines, passengers, and airport authorities—knows their responsibilities. He said there would be radio ads and TV programs to educate people about the new rules.
He made it clear that from now on, unruly behavior will not be tolerated. “Things will not go on like before,” he said. “Airlines must also start proper training to follow these new rules.”
