NCAA deploys RFID technology to curb baggage mishandling

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is set to introduce Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology at Nigerian airports to address the ongoing issue of passengers' luggage being lost, delayed, damaged, and misrouted. The technology, which will track luggage from check-in to aircraft loading and arrival, was introduced during a modernization briefing for airlines, ground handlers, and other aviation stakeholders.

NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, highlighted that baggage handling is a significant source of passenger complaints, following flight delays. The RFID system will enable passengers to monitor their bags via a mobile application, tracking its journey through the check-in area, sorting point, boarding area, and onto the correct aircraft.

Furthermore, the technology will prevent bags from being sent to incorrect destinations by detecting discrepancies during processing. This will also help airlines respond more efficiently to missing-baggage complaints by providing a record of the bag's last known location, reducing investigation time and increasing accountability.

While the technology is not yet in use, NCAA is consulting with stakeholders to ensure integration with existing systems and regulatory changes that would make baggage automation mandatory. Airlines, however, have expressed concerns about integration, infrastructure, human error, and the cost of implementation. The system will be deployed through multiple scanning points at baggage sorting and aircraft-loading areas, creating a digital record of each bag's movement.

Successful implementation will require cooperation from the NCAA, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, airlines, ground handlers, and other service providers.