The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has resolved 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.”
According to SITA’s 2026 Baggage IT Insights Report, global mishandling rates decreased by 23% in 2025 and “Africa records the highest baggage mishandling rate of any region globally, at 12.1 mishandled bags per 1,000 passengers.”
In 2024, the NCAA reported a significant number of baggage mishandling cases in 2024, with 47,923 pieces of baggage either missing or delayed at Nigerian airports.
NCAA says that “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 introduction of the baggage tracking technology was made known by the Agency’s Director, Public Affairs & Consumer Protection (DPA&CP), Mr. Michael Achimugu at a stakeholder forum held in Lagos.
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.”
According to NCAA, “RFID technology allows bags to be scanned automatically at multiple points without direct line of sight, providing live data from check-in to arrival.”
Mr. Achimugu 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.”
NCAA disclosed that “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.”