The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed that all passengers must switch off their mobile phones during the critical phases of flight takeoff and landing.
The directive comes in the wake of a controversy involving Ibom Air and a passenger, Comfort Emmanson, whose altercation with airline staff and subsequent treatment by airport security attracted nationwide attention. Images and videos of the incident, which showed her being restrained, and one clip that partially exposed her went viral and sparked outrage.
Announcing the new regulation on Tuesday in a post on X, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, stated: Henceforth, the regulation concerning phones and other electronic devices in Nigeria has been unified: ALL PHONES MUST BE SWITCHED OFF during the critical aspects of takeoff and landing.
Airlines must amend their security programmes to reflect this if they are different in their current procedures. No more airplane mode until regulations are reviewed to reflect evolving technological situations.”
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Emmanson’s ordeal began on Sunday, August 10, 2025, when she allegedly refused to turn off her phone before takeoff and was said to have assaulted the flight purser. She was arrested upon arrival and arraigned the following day, before being remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Facility.
The case quickly drew public criticism. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo condemned the circulation of videos from the incident and promised sanctions for those responsible. Human rights activist Aisha Yesufu described the development as “selective justice,” while Lagos-based lawyer Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya called for a transparent investigation and respect for due process.
According to SaharaReporters, an eyewitness seated next to Emmanson later submitted a statement to the NCAA, prompting a formal probe. Following this, the aviation minister announced that all criminal complaints against her had been withdrawn, and Ibom Air’s lifetime flying ban on her was lifted.
The NCAA insists that the new regulation will bring clarity and uniformity to safety procedures across Nigerian airlines, ensuring stricter compliance in line with international best practices.
