…summons Ibom Air crew, passenger over Uyo–Lagos flight incident
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced a unified regulation mandating that all mobile phones and electronic devices must be completely switched off during the critical phases of flights, take-off and landing.
Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, disclosed this on Tuesday via his official X handle.
According to him, the longstanding allowance for passengers to place devices in aeroplane mode during flights has been suspended until further regulatory reviews are carried out in line with evolving technological considerations. He directed all airlines operating in Nigeria to amend their security programmes to reflect the new policy.
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“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,”
Meanwhile, the NCAA has summoned a passenger, Comfort Emmanson, alongside members of Ibom Air’s cabin crew, for questioning over an incident aboard an Uyo–Lagos flight on August 10.
Viral videos had shown Emmanson being dragged by airline staff during the flight, sparking outrage on social media and prompting calls for accountability.
Achimugu confirmed that NCAA officials had spoken with Emmanson earlier on Tuesday, and she, along with the crew members involved, is expected to appear before the Authority on Wednesday for further investigation.
“I spoke with Emmanson this morning. We are also inviting the Ibom Air cabin crew for continued investigation on the incident. They will be here tomorrow,” Achimugu stated.
He explained that the pilot-in-command did not immediately call in security operatives after landing in Lagos, as the issue seemed to have been resolved before departure from Uyo. However, the matter resurfaced when Emmanson, who used the restroom after touchdown, became the last passenger to disembark.
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Assuring stakeholders of transparency, Achimugu said the NCAA would conduct a thorough probe to establish the facts and ensure fairness.
Also speaking at the meeting, Buhari Abdulfatai, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, decried the rising cases of unruly behaviour among air travellers, as well as lapses in professional conduct among aviation workers.
He urged all stakeholders to support the NCAA’s enforcement of standards to safeguard the industry.
