NCAA deploys RFID technology to curb baggage mishandling

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority is set to implement Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology at airports in an effort to reduce baggage-related issues for travelers. The technology, which will track luggage from check-in to aircraft loading and arrival, was unveiled during a technology modernization briefing organized by the NCAA for airlines, ground handlers, and other aviation stakeholders.

NCAA's Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, stated that baggage handling is a major source of passenger complaints, with many dealing with delayed, damaged, or misrouted bags. The proposed RFID system would enable passengers to monitor their luggage via an application, tracking its movements and alerting them to any discrepancies.

This would help prevent bags from being sent to the wrong destinations and improve airlines' response to missing-baggage complaints by providing a record of the bag's last known location. While the technology is not yet operational, consultations are ongoing with various stakeholders to address concerns about integration, infrastructure, human error, and costs.

Once implemented, the system is expected to reduce one of the industry's most persistent passenger complaints.