The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has responded to former Abia State Governor, Senator Orji Kalu, following his claims that some pilots in Nigeria use illicit drugs.
Senator Kalu attributed the issue to regulatory failures, particularly by the NCAA, accusing the agency of neglecting its duty to monitor pilots and ensure safe flight operations.
He warned that such lapses in oversight threaten passenger safety across the country.
Speaking on the Senate floor on Wednesday, a statement captured on video by African Independent Television and seen by our correspondent, Kalu criticised the absence of stringent checks within the aviation sector.
The former governor insisted that the NCAA has fallen short of its regulatory responsibilities, accusing the agency of fostering a culture of negligence within the aviation industry.
Kalu further disclosed that he had personally intervened on several occasions to prevent certain pilots from flying him after spotting safety deficiencies prior to departure.
Stressing that he could not jeopardise his life under unsafe flight conditions, he called on the authorities to take immediate action to address the serious lapses in aviation oversight and pilot conduct.
He said, “I feel that the authorities guiding these pilots, some of them are very lousy. I have on many occasions stopped flying because of the inadequacy of the pilots’ preparation. Some of the pilots are not prepared. Some of them use Indian hemp. Yes, it’s true. Some of them smoke Indian hemp, and some of them are not properly audited by the authorities.
“I am telling you what I know, because the NCAA and the NAMA and other authorities are not looking after these pilots and checking them for drugs, on the sport assessment. They are not doing it because it is dangerous, and you see them walking into the aeroplane, nobody checks their blood pressure, nobody checks anything, nothing, nothing.”
In response to Senator Kalu’s allegations, the NCAA issued a statement on Thursday, signed by its Director General, Chris Najomo, rejecting the claims and describing them as unfounded.
The Authority clarified that all pilots operating Nigerian-registered aircraft are required to hold valid licences and up-to-date medical certificates in line with Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations.
According to the NCAA, these medical certificates are granted only after thorough assessments by authorised medical examiners and are further reviewed by the agency’s in-house aero-medical team.
Najomo emphasised that the examinations evaluate a wide range of health factors, including cardiovascular, neurological, psychological, and respiratory conditions.
The statement read, “While the Authority holds the Distinguished Senator and the National Assembly in the highest esteem, it is necessary to provide factual clarifications in the public interest.
“Contrary to the impression created, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority maintains a rigorous and internationally recognised system for certifying and monitoring the medical and professional fitness of all pilots operating in Nigeria.
“No pilot is permitted to operate a Nigerian-registered aircraft without holding both a valid pilot licence and a current medical certificate, as required by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) Part 8.4.1.4. Holders of Commercial Pilot Licences (CPL) and Airline Transport Pilot Licences (ATPL) are, by the provisions of Nig. CARs 2.3.5.1 and 2.3.7.1, required to possess a Class 1 Medical Certificate before they are allowed to operate.”
On the issue of drug use, the NCAA reiterated that its regulations strictly forbid any crew member from operating an aircraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The Authority noted that it conducts both random and targeted drug and alcohol tests on a regular basis.
It also cited a past incident in which a Valuejet pilot was suspended for attempting to begin departure procedures without proper clearance.
“In addition to this, Nig. CARs Part 8.5.1.5 explicitly prohibits any crew member from acting as a flight crew member within eight hours after consuming alcohol, while under the influence of alcohol, or while using any psychoactive substance that could affect alertness, judgment, or performance.
“In accordance with this regulation, the NCAA carries out on-the-spot alcohol or drug testing when there is reasonable suspicion of intoxication. It further authorises random and unannounced testing for crew members and allows the results of such tests to be used as legal evidence.
“Beyond the medical certification process, NCAA inspectors conduct daily ramp inspections at airports across the country. These inspections are not limited to aircraft alone; they include direct engagement with flight crew,” the statement added.
