The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has disclosed its resolve to introduce Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) baggage tracking technology across  domestic and international terminals to eliminate increasing spate of luggage delays and missing baggage experienced by passengers.

The RFID-enabled baggage tracking system, which will replace the traditional barcode-centric framework, is to grant both airlines and passengers real-time, non-line-of-sight (NLOS) visibility of checked luggage from the point of check-in to final reclaim.

The Director, Public Affairs & Consumer Protection (DPA&CP), Mr Michael Achimugu, made this known at a stakeholder engagement forum in Lagos on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

The move, according to Mr Achimugu, is critical to improving baggage traceability, reducing mishandling, strengthening accountability, and enhancing the overall passenger experience, contrasting sharply with traditional barcode systems which slow down real-time baggage tracking.

RFID technology allows bags to be scanned automatically at multiple points without direct line of sight, providing live data from check-in to arrival.

He noted that, for many years now, issues of baggage – short-landed, missing, lost, or destroyed – have remained one of the biggest complaints in the industry; after flight delays.

Hence, the introduction of RFID technology at this period aligns with IATA Resolution 753 which mandates tracking of baggage at key point and will play a stronger role in improving baggage handling and passenger confidence.

Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority is the regulatory body for aviation in Nigeria. It became autonomous with the passing into law of the Civil Aviation Act 2006 by the National Assembly and assent of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Act not only empowers the Authority to regulate Aviation Safety without political interference, but also to carry out oversight functions of Airports, Airspace, Meteorological Services, etc as well as economic regulations of the industry.