In a major step toward modernizing Nigeria’s aviation sector, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has finalized plans to mandate Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) baggage tracking technology across all domestic and international terminals nationwide. The regulatory agency announced the decision during a key stakeholder engagement forum held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, in Lagos. ​
The initiative aims to curb the persistent problem of short-landed, misrouted, and missing luggage, which currently stands as the second-highest source of passenger complaints in Nigerian aviation, right behind flight delays. ​Speaking at the stakeholder briefing, Mr. Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection (DPA&CP) at the NCAA, emphasized that traditional barcode systems are no longer sufficient for modern air travel demands. ​
“For many years now, issues of baggage—short-landed, missing, lost, or destroyed—have remained one of the biggest complaints in the industry, second only to flight delays,” stated Achimugu. “The RFID technology will replace the traditional barcode-centric framework, granting both airlines and passengers real-time, non-line-of-sight visibility of checked luggage from the point of check-in to final reclaim.” ​
Unlike standard optical barcode scanners, which require direct line-of-sight to read tags, RFID technology utilizes tags embedded with microchips and radio waves. This allows automatic, simultaneous scans of multiple bags at key milestones, even while loaded inside aircraft containers or traveling on high-speed conveyor belts. ​Under the proposed framework, developed in partnership with aviation technology provider Aviation 360 Solutions, passengers will be able to track their luggage in real time via a dedicated mobile application. ​
The system will provide status updates as luggage moves through Check-in & Sorting; Confirming receipt by ground handlers, boarding gate & ramp; Verifying the bag has been loaded onto the correct aircraft and final destination: Alerting passengers when luggage reaches the arrival carousel. ​Achimugu noted that this real-time visibility will drastically shorten baggage dispute resolution. Standard regulations currently allow airlines up to seven days to locate and reconcile lost domestic luggage.
​”With RFID tracking, missing or misrouted luggage can be identified and located instantly,” Achimugu explained. “If you have landed in Lagos, but your bag was inadvertently sent to Enugu, you can immediately show the airline specifically where your bag is.” ​The deployment aligns with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Resolution 753, which mandates key baggage tracking milestones across global airlines. ​
The NCAA confirmed that it is currently reviewing Civil Aviation Regulations to make RFID adoption legally binding for operators in Nigerian airspace. To ensure smooth integration, the authority is working alongside the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), domestic airlines, and ground handlers to link the RFID system with existing Departure Control Systems (DCS).
​The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has approved for agency working groups to finalize deployment mechanics before nationwide rollout begins.
