The directive, announced on Tuesday by NCAA Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, effectively ends the widely accepted practice of using “flight mode” while onboard. According to Najomo, passengers will now be required to power down their devices completely as part of updated safety measures.
But NEFGAD, in a statement signed by its Country Head of Office, Akingunola Omoniyi, described the move as outdated, embarrassing, and damaging to Nigeria’s international aviation reputation. The organisation argued that the global aviation industry has advanced far beyond such restrictive measures, with many airlines now offering passengers in-flight Wi-Fi throughout all phases of flight.
“Modern aircraft in today’s world — including Emirates, Lufthansa, Air France, Delta, British Airways, and Qatar Airways — all provide internet services during flight. The NCAA directive suggests Nigeria is still stuck in the past,” Omoniyi said.
The group further contended that the policy raises questions about the age and technological capacity of aircraft operating within Nigeria. According to NEFGAD, the decision could create the impression that the country’s skies are dominated by planes manufactured more than two decades ago, with limited ability to withstand electronic interference.
“This directive has portrayed Nigeria’s airspace as one dominated by obsolete aircraft, many of them built before the year 2000. Such a picture discourages investor confidence and paints a worrying image for international passengers,” the statement read.
Beyond the mobile phone directive, NEFGAD accused the NCAA of failing to focus on more pressing reforms in the aviation sector. These, it said, include upgrading aircraft technology standards, strengthening consumer protection policies, improving passenger conduct codes, and enhancing aviation security management.
“This is not the era of regulatory grandstanding,” Omoniyi added. “NCAA must embrace technological innovation, align with ICAO-compliant global standards, and ensure that Nigerians enjoy modern in-flight experiences comparable to what is obtainable elsewhere.”
NEFGAD disclosed that it has petitioned the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) to verify the technological status of Nigerian airlines, warning that the NCAA’s stance risks sending “dangerous signals” to the international aviation community about Nigeria’s airspace.
The group also lamented the high cost of air travel in the country, noting that Nigerians often pay some of the steepest fares for both local and international flights, yet continue to endure outdated services and facilities.
By challenging the NCAA’s directive, NEFGAD is pushing for a more technologically progressive approach in Nigeria’s aviation industry — one that balances safety regulations with innovation, competitiveness, and global best practices.