100Wh and 160Wh are now the defining limits for power banks on Nigerian commercial flights. Ibom Air has begun strict enforcement of the new directive issued by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), placing watt-hour capacity at the centre of onboard safety compliance. Therefore, passengers must confirm their device rating before arriving at the airport.
Power Bank Ban
Under the updated regulation, power banks of up to 100 watt-hours are permitted in the cabin without restriction. However, devices rated between 100Wh and 160Wh require prior airline approval before travel. Meanwhile, any power banks exceeding 160Wh are completely prohibited on board aircraft. These thresholds are mandatory and apply to all passengers.
Beyond capacity limits, the directive also restricts how power banks are stored during flight. Passengers must not place them in overhead compartments. Instead, approved devices must be kept in the cabin within immediate reach, either under the seat, inside the seat pocket, or in a carry-on bag stored beneath the seat. The long-standing prohibition on placing power banks in checked baggage remains in force.
According to the NCAA Safety Directive, power banks must remain accessible at all times during flight to ensure rapid response in the event of overheating or fire. The regulator explained that lithium-ion batteries can ignite if damaged or short-circuited. When this occurs, a phenomenon known as thermal runaway may follow, producing intense heat that is difficult to extinguish mid-air.
The policy aligns with global aviation safety guidance from bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). International regulators have recorded incidents involving battery-related fires on commercial aircraft. Consequently, restricting power banks to accessible areas significantly reduces detection and response time.
Ibom Air reaffirmed its commitment to full compliance with the NCAA directive. The airline emphasised that passenger and crew safety remains its highest operational priority. Meanwhile, travellers are urged to check the watt-hour marking printed on their power banks before departure, as most manufacturers clearly label this information on the device casing.
Passengers carrying power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh must seek airline approval in advance to avoid boarding delays. Early verification ensures smooth security processing and compliance with aviation safety standards.
The enforcement of the 100Wh and 160Wh thresholds marks a decisive tightening of lithium battery control across Nigeria’s aviation sector. Compliance is not optional. Devices above 160Wh are banned, mid-range units require approval, and only those within the approved limit may travel freely in the cabin.
