NCAA, others flay Kalu’s claim of pilots’ Indian hemp consumption

Stakeholders in the aviation sector particularly the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have replied to a former Abia State Governor, Senator Orji Kalu, following his allegation that some pilots in the country engage in illicit drug activities. The lawmaker in his comments that had gone viral blamed the development on regulatory agencies, particularly the NCAA, […]

Stakeholders in the aviation sector particularly the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have replied to a former Abia State Governor, Senator Orji Kalu, following his allegation that some pilots in the country engage in illicit drug activities.

The lawmaker in his comments that had gone viral blamed the development on regulatory agencies, particularly the NCAA, saying the agencies have failed in their responsibility to properly monitor pilots and ensure safe flight operations.

Orji stated that the authorities’ laxity in their oversight duties poses a threat to passengers’ safety nationwide.

The former governor maintained that the NCAA had not lived up to expectations in its regulatory role and accused it of allowing a culture of negligence to persist within the industry.

Kalu also revealed that he had personally, on some occasions, stopped certain pilots from flying him over inadequacies spotted before departure.

While criticising some pilots, Kalu stressed that some modern aircraft, such as Boeing 737-500, are largely automated and should rarely encounter landing problems because they are equipped with an automated landing gear system and with that should not be involved in some incidents that have been recorded in the country, blaming the same on pilots’ negligence.

In response to the senator’s claims, the NCAA, in a statement on Thursday, signed by its Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, debunked his claims, saying his stance was false.

The NCAA clarified that all pilots flying Nigerian-registered aircraft are required to hold valid licences and current medical certificates, in accordance with Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations.

The Authority explained that these medical certificates are issued only after comprehensive evaluations by NCAA-authorised medical examiners, and further reviewed by the NCAA’s in-house aero-medical team.

He stressed that the medical examinations cover 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.”

Also on drug intake, the NCAA stated that its regulations strictly prohibit any crew member from operating an aircraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It stated that the Authority conducts both random and targeted drug and alcohol testing periodically.

The authority recalled how a Valuejet pilot was suspended for initiating departure procedures without proper clearance.

The statement added, “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.”

The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) also refuted the allegation that Nigerian pilots routinely fly under the influence of narcotics. 

In a statement signed by Engr. Blessing N. Ahmadu, Public Relations Officer, the NCAA stated that “These baseless claims, which constitute a malicious attack on the professionalism, integrity, and reputation of Nigerian aviation professionals, are not only false but represent a dangerous misrepresentation of the rigorous safety standards that govern Nigerian aviation operations.

“As the professional body representing all licensed pilots and aircraft engineers in Nigeria, NAAPE considers safety as the foremost priority in all aspects of aviation practice. Every pilot in the country is bound by strict regulatory, medical, and ethical standards established by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) requirements. 

“Aviation operations in Nigeria involve multiple layers of oversight, including pre-flight medical checks, recurrent simulator training, random toxicology screening, and continuous monitoring by both operators and regulators. The suggestion that aircraft are being flown by intoxicated pilots undermines public confidence and the hard-earned integrity of Nigerian aviation professionals,” NAAPE said.

In the same vein, Aviation journalist and publisher of Arrival Magazine, Adeola Fadairo, described the allegation as not only reckless and ill-considered but also gravely damaging.

His words, “Senator Kalu’s careless comments carry consequences far beyond rhetoric. They risk eroding passengers’ confidence in the safety of Nigerian carriers and undermining the credibility of our domestic operators before global partners, insurers, and financiers.”

“Aviation thrives on public trust and perception. Statements of this nature could artificially inflate insurance premiums, trigger international safety concerns, and jeopardise investments in a sector already navigating tight operational margins.”