Nigeria, Aug. 14 -- As questions persist among Nigerian travellers over why authorities insist mobile phones must be switched off during take-off, or switched to flight mode during flight, Boaz Agbonifoh, a pilot and aviation expert, has shed light on the safety and operational reasons behind the policy.

The discussion was reignited following the recent detention of Comfort Emmanson, an Ibom Air passenger who refused to switch off her phone on a Uyo-Lagos flight.

Speaking on Channels Television, Mr Agbonifoh explained why the instruction exists and why non-compliance can pose a safety concern, even in an age of advanced technology.

"If it's one phone, it's not a problem," he said.

"It becomes a problem when your phone is not in flight...