The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has issued stringent directives that all mobile phones and other electronic devices must be completely switched off during aircraft take-off and landing.
Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, said in a post on X on Tuesday that they have now harmonised their rules regarding the use of phones and other electronic devices on Nigerian flights.
This is coming following the controversy and public reactions that trailed the Ibom air issue.
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The NCAA DG also emphasized that all domestic airline operators must amend their operations manuals to reflect the new directive and submit them for immediate approval.
However, Najomo pointed out that the NCAA is still on the lookout for future reviews of the rule as risk assessment and aircraft safety and technology advancements advance.
He pointed out that the nation’s safety is correlated with the safety of the aviation system.
To tackle all forms of security threats at the airports, the NCAA DG said, “We are going to do a mock response next week. We are going to carry it out in Lagos and Abuja, and if you think in your mind you are going to come and be unruly passengers, we’re waiting for you.
“Aviation security personnel and law enforcement must be reinforced with training, professionalism, and clearly defined rules of engagement. All stakeholders, from airlines to intelligence partners, must work without silos to share threat intelligence and coordinate rapid response.
“We are part of the shift in the behaviour of the travelling public, who should see airlines as transactional partners rather than foes. To avoid ambiguity and perceived confusion, all mobile phones, I repeat, all mobile phones and other portable electronic devices should be switched off during at least the critical phase of flight on all Nigerian airlines. There’s nothing like flight mode any longer. They must be switched off.
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“Nigerian airline operators are therefore required to amend their operations manual to reflect this requirement and submit it to the NCAA for approval. We remain alert to future review of this requirement as Aircraft Technological and Safety Enhancement Improved Risk Assessment evolves.
Although he acknowledged that disruptive behaviour in the aviation industry cannot be completely eliminated, he added that it can be controlled with good cooperation from all parties.
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