The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has dismissed allegations by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu that Nigerian pilots regularly use drugs while on duty.
Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District, had during a Senate session accused the NCAA and other aviation agencies of negligence, claiming that some pilots smoke Indian hemp and operate flights without proper checks.
He said, “I have on many occasions stopped flying because of the inadequacy of the pilots’ preparation. Some of them use Indian hemp. Yes, it’s true. Some of them smoke it and are not properly audited by the authorities. Nobody checks their blood pressure or anything.”
The former Abia governor blamed the NCAA and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency for failing to conduct spot drug tests or ensure proper monitoring of pilots, describing the situation as dangerous.
He also alleged that some aircraft mishaps in Nigeria were caused by pilot carelessness despite the availability of automated landing systems in modern planes.
In a swift reaction, the NCAA, through its Director General, Chris Najomo, refuted Kalu’s claims in a statement issued on Thursday, describing them as misleading.
Najomo explained that all pilots flying Nigerian-registered aircraft are required to hold valid licences and up-to-date medical certificates, which are issued only after extensive health evaluations.
He said, “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 allowed to fly a Nigerian-registered aircraft without a valid pilot licence and a current medical certificate, as required by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.”
Najomo also clarified that the NCAA conducts both random and targeted drug and alcohol testing, and enforces strict penalties for violations.
He cited regulations that ban any crew member from operating an aircraft within eight hours after consuming alcohol or while under the influence of drugs or psychoactive substances.
According to him, the Authority also conducts on-the-spot testing when intoxication is suspected, adding that the results are admissible as legal evidence.
He reminded the public of recent disciplinary actions, including the suspension of a ValueJet pilot for starting departure procedures without proper clearance.
The NCAA boss added that daily ramp inspections are carried out at airports, involving both aircraft checks and direct engagement with flight crew members.
He stressed that Nigeria’s aviation oversight meets global standards and urged public figures to seek verified information before making claims that could cause unnecessary panic among air travellers.
