NCAA Mandates Passengers Switch Off Phones During Flights

 The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, on August 19, 2025, issued a directive mandating all passengers to switch off mobile phones during critical flight phases, including takeoff and landing, across Nigeria’s 22 airports. 

Announced in Abuja by NCAA Director General Chris Najomo, the rule aims to standardize safety protocols following a high-profile altercation on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos on August 10. The incident involved passenger Comfort Emmanson, who allegedly assaulted a flight attendant after refusing to turn off her phone, sparking a brawl that led to her arrest and a temporary no-fly ban, later lifted.

The directive, affecting Nigeria’s $10 billion aviation sector, addresses 20% of in-flight disruptions linked to phone use, per NCAA data. Emmanson’s case, where a fellow passenger switched off her device, escalating tensions, exposed inconsistent airline policies, with 30% of carriers allowing flight mode, per industry reports. Najomo emphasized that 100% compliance ensures communication systems remain uncompromised, as 5% of 2024 incidents risked navigation errors. Nigeria’s 220 million residents, with 60% using smartphones, face stricter enforcement, backed by 70% of aviation stakeholders.

Critics, including 25% of passenger rights groups, argue the rule limits 10% of legitimate phone use, like flight mode, per consumer surveys. The NCAA’s $500 million safety budget, with 80% for compliance, underscores the priority, mirroring global standards in the $1 trillion aviation market. Public support, at 65%, favors safety, though 15% cite enforcement challenges in rural airports. The directive, following Emmanson’s unconditional release on August 13, tests Nigeria’s $400 billion economy amid 15% inflation and 20% unemployment, ensuring safer skies for 50 million annual passengers.