The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has mandated that all mobile phones be fully switched off during aircraft take-off and landing.

In a post on X on Tuesday, Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, stated that regulations on mobile phones and other electronic devices across Nigeria are now standardized.

The announcement follows an emergency meeting held by the agency with industry stakeholders earlier the same day.

The authority stressed that all mobile phones must be fully switched off during the critical phases of take-off and landing, with airlines required to update their security programs accordingly.

The NCAA further clarified that using airplane mode will no longer be allowed until the regulations are updated to accommodate evolving technological advancements.

“Henceforth, the regulation per phones and other electronic devices in Nigeria has been unified:

“ALL PHONES MUST BE SWITCHED OFF DURING THE CRITICAL ASPECTS OF TAKE-OFF AND LANDING.

“All airlines must amend their security programmes to reflect this if different in their current programmes.

“No more airplane mode until regulations are reviewed to reflect evolving technological situations,” Achimugu’s post read.

After consultations with stakeholders, appeals from concerned parties, and expressions of remorse from the passenger, the Federal Government and airline operators agreed to lift the ban. Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, announced the resolution, which was also supported by the Airline Operators of Nigeria.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has directed airlines to update their operational and security manuals to ensure strict compliance with mobile phone policies during critical flight phases.

The directive comes after an incident involving passenger Ms. Comfort Emmanson on a Uyo-to-Lagos Ibom Air flight. She reportedly refused to switch off her phone before take-off, resulting in a confrontation upon landing.

On August 10, Ms. Emmanson was arrested and charged with unruly behavior and assaulting cabin crew and security personnel. Ibom Air initially imposed a lifetime ban, sparking public debate.

Following stakeholder consultations, appeals, and the passenger’s expressions of remorse, the Federal Government and airlines agreed to lift the ban.

Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo confirmed the resolution, supported by the Airline Operators of Nigeria.