The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has dismissed recent claims by Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, alleging that some Nigerian pilots operate flights under the influence of drugs and that the Authority has failed in its oversight responsibilities.
The Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, the NCAA, on Thursday, described the comments as inaccurate and misleading, stressing that its safety oversight processes are rigorous and fully compliant with international aviation standards prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The Authority cited an example from August 2025, when it suspended the licence of a ValueJet pilot for initiating departure procedures without proper clearance, an action it said demonstrated its “zero tolerance for indiscipline and unwavering commitment to flight safety.”
According to the NCAA, no pilot is allowed to operate a Nigerian-registered aircraft without a valid licence and a current medical certificate, as stipulated under 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 required to possess a Class 1 Medical Certificate before they can operate,” the statement read.
Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary on a motion by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North) concerning the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) report on the June 22, 2025, Air Peace Boeing 737-500 incident, Senator Orji Kalu, Chief Whip, accused the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other aviation regulators of negligence and poor oversight.
“I’ve refused to fly several times because some pilots were clearly unprepared. Some depend on outside help; others even use substances before flights, and the authorities look away,” Kalu said.
The former Abia State governor urged aviation authorities to conduct regular, on-the-spot drug and health checks to ensure only fit and sober pilots operate flights in the country.
“On many occasions, I have refused to board because of inadequate pilot preparation. Some of them use Indian hemp.
“Yes, it’s true. Some of them smoke it and are not properly audited by the authorities. NCAA and others are not conducting on-the-spot drug assessments. It’s dangerous. Nobody checks their blood pressure or medical fitness before flights,” Kalu said.
He added that aviation safety is non-negotiable and essential to national security, economic growth, and Nigeria’s global reputation.
The Senate afterwards mandated the NCAA to strengthen compliance and carry out routine safety audits across airports.
It also directed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to rehabilitate runways, improve airfield lighting, and upgrade navigational aids, beginning with the Port Harcourt International Airport.
However, NCAA explained that these medical certificates are issued only after comprehensive aero-medical examinations conducted by NCAA-authorised Aviation Medical Examiners (AAMEs), with final approval by the Authority’s in-house assessors.
The tests, it noted, cover cardiovascular, neurological, psychological, respiratory, metabolic, and visual assessments to ensure pilots are medically and mentally fit to fly.
The examinations also include screening for psychoactive substance use and other health conditions that could impair safe performance.
“Medical certificates are valid for twelve months for pilots under 40 years of age and six months for those aged 40 and above. Upon expiration, pilots must undergo a new round of tests before renewal,” the NCAA stated.
Citing Nig. CARs Part 8.5.1.5, the Authority added that “no crew member is permitted to act as a flight crew member within eight hours of consuming alcohol, while under the influence of alcohol, or while using any psychoactive substance that could impair alertness or judgment.”
On Kalu’s remark suggesting that modern aircraft take off and land automatically, the NCAA clarified that while some aircraft are equipped with advanced autopilot and autoland systems, “take-offs are entirely manual, and landings in Nigeria are performed under pilot control.”
“Nigeria currently has no airport certified for Category III (CAT III) operations required for fully automatic landings in low-visibility conditions,” the Authority added.
The NCAA maintained that Nigeria’s aviation oversight system meets ICAO’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) standards, placing the country among those with effective safety supervision systems.
While acknowledging Senator Kalu’s concerns, the NCAA insisted that his comments do not reflect the true state of regulatory practices in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“The NCAA remains open to constructive engagement with the National Assembly and all stakeholders to further strengthen the safety, security, integrity, and global reputation of Nigeria’s air transport industry,” the statement concluded.
