The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has introduced a new regulation requiring all passengers to completely switch off their mobile phones and electronic devices during critical phases of flights — take-off and landing.

Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, announced the directive on Tuesday via his official X handle. He explained that the longstanding practice of placing devices in airplane mode has been suspended pending further regulatory review in line with evolving technology.

“Henceforth, all phones must be switched off during take-off and landing. Airlines must amend their security programmes to reflect this directive. No more airplane mode until the regulations are reviewed,” Achimugu stated.

The directive mandates all airlines operating in Nigeria to immediately update their safety and security procedures to comply.

Meanwhile, NCAA has summoned a passenger, Comfort Emmanson, and members of Ibom Air’s cabin crew for questioning over an incident aboard an Uyo–Lagos flight on August 10.

The issue, which reportedly caused a stir during the flight, resurfaced upon arrival in Lagos when Emmanson, who had gone to use the restroom after touchdown, became the last passenger to disembark.

Achimugu confirmed that NCAA officials spoke with Emmanson on Tuesday and that both she and the crew members involved would appear before the Authority on Wednesday for further investigation. He added that the pilot-in-command did not call in security after landing because the matter seemed resolved before take-off in Uyo.

Assuring stakeholders of transparency, Achimugu pledged a thorough probe to establish the facts and ensure fairness.

Also weighing in, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, condemned rising cases of unruly passenger behaviour as well as lapses in professional conduct among aviation workers. He called on all stakeholders to support the NCAA in enforcing standards to safeguard the industry.