By Okechukwu Nwanguma
I find it baffling that a passenger in an aeroplane would refuse to comply with simple, routine safety directives — such as switching off their phones during takeoff or landing. This is not rocket science.
It is common sense, explained repeatedly by cabin crew before every flight. Refusal to comply is not just ignorance; it is willful recklessness.
I recall confronting a well-dressed gentleman who, despite repeated announcements, continued to answer calls while our plane was already taxiing for takeoff. His attitude was one of defiance, as though the rules were meant for everyone else. This small act of disobedience reflects a broader culture of lawlessness that has crept into both leadership and followership in our country.
The recent incident involving an Ibom Air passenger who assaulted a flight attendant in Lagos is another symptom of this malaise. The passenger reportedly refused to obey crew instructions, sparking a confrontation captured on video and shared widely on social media. The chaos unfolded just days after the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) banned Fuji musician KWAM1 from flying for six months over alleged in-flight misconduct.
When passengers disregard safety instructions, they not only inconvenience others but also endanger lives. The “switch off your phone” rule is not arbitrary; it is grounded in safety protocols. The cabin crew’s authority is part of the aviation safety chain, and undermining it is both foolish and dangerous.
Unfortunately, in Nigeria, too many people see rules as negotiable and consequences as avoidable. Until clear and firm sanctions are imposed — making a few scapegoats if necessary — this culture of impunity will persist. We need a national values reorientation campaign that emphasises personal responsibility, respect for rules, and basic public decorum.
Air travel demands discipline, patience, and mutual respect. Safety is a collective responsibility. The moment we treat safety rules as suggestions rather than obligations, we invite disaster — not just in the skies, but in every sphere of our national life.
