The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed that all mobile phones and portable electronic devices must be completely switched off during aircraft take-off and landing, ending the long-standing practice of using “flight mode.”

The Director-General of the Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, announced the directive on Tuesday at the National Civil Aviation Security Committee Meeting in Abuja.

“All mobile phones, I repeat, all mobile phones and other portable electronic devices should be switched off during at least the critical phase of flight on all Nigerian airlines. Switched off,” Najomo said.

He stressed that the option of flight mode would no longer be accepted, directed Nigerian air operators to amend their operations manuals to reflect the new regulation and submit them for NCAA approval.

Najomo also announced stricter measures to address rising cases of unruly passenger behavior across airports, warning that the era of “business as usual” was over. The Authority, he said, would embark on radio and TV sensitization campaigns to educate travelers on their responsibilities.

To strengthen enforcement, Najomo disclosed that mock security response exercises would be conducted next week in Lagos and Abuja to test readiness against aviation threats.

“The threats we face in aviation, ranging from sabotage and non-compliance with protocols to lack of inter-agency collaboration, require a decisive, united, and accountable response,” he stated.

The NCAA boss also directed airlines to train staff in conflict resolution, cautioning operators who had yet to comply to “go back and get this done.”

Speaking on enforcement, the Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, stressed that aviation authorities would not tolerate unruly behavior, noting that global standards are even stricter.

“This is the reason the Authority exists, to protect passengers’ rights,” Achimugu said. He urged travelers to channel complaints through the NCAA.