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LAGOS, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian government Tuesday directed passengers not to turn on or charge their Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices onboard aircraft.
The warning followed worldwide reports of the phones exploding while being charged due to faulty battery.
Spokesperson for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Sam Adurogboye said in a statement that the phones must not be stowed away in any checked-in baggage.
"Importantly, all airlines are hereby advised to emphasize the prohibition of this device on board during passenger briefings by the cabin crew," he added.
"Similarly, all those responsible for searching or screening checked-in baggage are expected to intensify the procedures to identify possible checked-in Samsung Galaxy Note 7," he said.
The NCAA spokesperson reminded travelers that Samsung had recalled over 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 devices due to several reported cases of overheating and explosion.
The nation's regulatory body spokesperson said a letter had been sent to all airlines and all other stakeholders for strict compliance.
Meanwhile, an official of Samsung Electronic West Africa, Zain Mamudu, has said the Samsung Galaxy Note7 has not been officially introduced into the Nigerian market.
A statement from the Samsung Electronics West Africa Ltd., which earlier announced the postponement of the October launch said the device was isolated due to battery cell problems. Enditem
