The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is taking steps to address persistent baggage-handling challenges, including missing, misrouted and short-landed luggage, through the adoption of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tracking technology.
The initiative is expected to improve the tracking and accountability of passengers’ baggage throughout the airport handling process, making it easier to identify the location and movement of luggage from check-in to arrival.
The move is aimed at reducing cases of baggage being misplaced or sent to the wrong destination, while also improving efficiency and passenger confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Under an RFID-enabled system, baggage can be electronically identified and tracked at different points of its journey, providing airlines and airport handlers with better visibility over individual bags and helping them quickly locate luggage when irregularities occur.
The development comes amid continued concerns over delayed, damaged, missing and misrouted baggage.
The NCAA currently provides procedures for passengers seeking redress over baggage-related complaints, including submission of flight tickets, baggage tags and other relevant documents.
The Authority’s efforts are expected to strengthen baggage management standards and enhance accountability among airlines and ground-handling operators.
The implementation of modern baggage-tracking technology is also expected to reduce the stress passengers experience when their luggage fails to arrive with them, while ensuring that airlines and handlers can respond more promptly to baggage discrepancies.
With the RFID initiative, the NCAA is seeking to move Nigeria’s baggage-handling system towards a more transparent, technology-driven process that prioritises passenger convenience, operational efficiency and accountability.
