The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed that all passengers must switch off their mobile phones during aircraft take-off and landing.Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, disclosed this in a post on X on Tuesday. He explained that the new directive unifies existing regulations, stressing that airplane mode will no longer be acceptable during these critical phases of flight.
“All phones must be switched off during take-off and landing. No more airplane mode until regulations are reviewed to reflect evolving technological situations,” Achimugu stated, adding that all airlines must update their security programmes accordingly.
The directive follows the controversy involving Comfort Emmanson and Ibom Air. Emmanson was arrested on August 10, 2025, after allegedly refusing to switch off her phone before take-off and later assaulting a flight purser. She was arraigned the next day and remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Facility.
The incident gained widespread attention after videos of her being restrained on the aircraft and forcibly removed by security personnel circulated online. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo condemned the release of the footage and vowed to sanction those responsible.
While human rights activist Aisha Yesufu described the case as “selective justice,” Lagos lawyer Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya called for a transparent investigation.Following public outcry, the aviation minister announced the withdrawal of criminal complaints against Emmanson and confirmed that the lifetime flying ban imposed by Ibom Air had been lifted.
Source: https://saharareporters.com/
