By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
The Nigeria Civil Aviation
Authority (NCAA) is set to introduce Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
technology across domestic and international airport terminals as part of
efforts to address persistent cases of delayed, missing and misrouted passenger
baggage.
The technology will replace
the traditional barcode-based baggage tracking system and provide airlines and
passengers with real-time visibility of checked luggage from the point of
check-in through to final baggage reclaim.
The Director of Public
Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, disclosed the
planned rollout during a stakeholder engagement forum in Lagos on Tuesday,
August 11, 2026.
According to Achimugu, the
RFID system will improve baggage traceability, reduce mishandling and
strengthen accountability across the baggage handling process while enhancing
the overall passenger experience.
Unlike conventional barcode
systems, RFID technology allows baggage to be automatically scanned at multiple
points without requiring direct line-of-sight between the scanner and the
baggage tag. This enables the movement of luggage to be monitored more efficiently
from departure through arrival.
Achimugu noted that
baggage-related complaints, including short-landed, missing, lost and damaged
luggage, have remained among the major concerns raised by air passengers,
alongside flight delays.
The NCAA expects the
deployment of RFID technology to provide greater visibility into baggage
movements and enable airlines and airport stakeholders to identify and address
baggage handling problems more quickly.
The initiative is also
aligned with IATA Resolution 753, which requires airlines to track baggage at
key points throughout the journey.
The authority said stronger
baggage tracking would contribute to improved baggage handling, greater
operational accountability and increased passenger confidence in Nigeria’s
aviation system.
