The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed that all passengers must switch off their mobile phones during flights in the country.
At a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, NCAA Director-General Chris Najomo said the directive applies particularly during critical phases of flight — take-off and landing.
The order follows a recent controversy involving a passenger, Comfort Emmanson, and an Ibom Air flight attendant, which sparked nationwide debate over the use of mobile devices on aircraft.
Najomo explained that the move was intended to end the confusion caused by different rules imposed by airlines.
“As a takeaway and to avoid ambiguity and confusion, all mobile phones and other portable electronic devices should be switched off during the critical stage of flight on all Nigerian airlines. Switch off. Nothing like flight mode any longer,” he declared.
He added that Nigerian air operators must amend their operating manuals to reflect the new requirement and submit them to the NCAA for approval.
Najomo stressed that the crew remains responsible for informing passengers of the rule, while passengers are obliged to comply. He also noted that the regulation could be reviewed in the future as aircraft technology advances.