By ebosele@hotmail.com –
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced plans to introduce Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) baggage tracking technology across domestic and international terminals to tackle the persistent problem of delayed, missing and mishandled luggage.
The RFID-enabled system is expected to replace the traditional barcode-based baggage tracking framework and provide airlines and passengers with real-time, non-line-of-sight visibility of checked luggage from the point of check-in to final baggage reclaim.
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, disclosed this at a stakeholder engagement forum in Lagos on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
According to Achimugu, the initiative is aimed at improving baggage traceability, reducing mishandling, strengthening accountability and enhancing the overall passenger experience.
He explained that unlike traditional barcode systems, which require direct scanning and can limit real-time tracking, RFID technology enables baggage to be automatically identified at multiple points without requiring direct line of sight.
The technology would therefore provide live information on the movement of passengers’ luggage from check-in through various stages of handling to the arrival terminal.
Achimugu noted that baggage-related complaints, including short-landed, missing, lost and damaged luggage, had remained among the major concerns of air passengers over the years, ranking closely behind flight delays.
He said the adoption of RFID technology was therefore timely and would significantly improve baggage handling and accountability across Nigeria’s airports.
The NCAA official added that the initiative aligns with International Air Transport Association (IATA) Resolution 753, which requires airlines to track baggage at key points throughout the journey.
He expressed confidence that the deployment of the technology would strengthen baggage traceability, reduce incidents of lost or delayed luggage and boost passengers’ confidence in Nigeria’s aviation system.
The initiative is expected to enhance coordination among airlines, airport operators and other stakeholders while providing passengers with greater visibility and assurance regarding the location of their checked baggage.
