The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has strongly countered recent claims made by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu regarding alleged lapses in pilot training, drug and alcohol use among flight crew, and oversight failures in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Speaking on the Senate floor on Wednesday, Kalu had alleged that some Nigerian pilots were operating under the influence of substances and questioned the integrity of the NCAA’s monitoring processes.
In a swift rebuttal issued on Thursday, NCAA Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, described the Senator’s assertions as misleading and unfounded, emphasizing that the Authority upholds rigorous, internationally compliant standards for certifying and monitoring pilots in Nigeria.
NCAA Defends Medical Fitness and Oversight of Nigerian Pilots
Najomo clarified that no pilot is permitted to operate a Nigerian-registered aircraft without possessing both a valid pilot licence and a current medical certificate, as required by Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) Part 8.4.1.4.
“Holders of Commercial Pilot Licences (CPL) and Airline Transport Pilot Licences (ATPL) must possess a Class 1 Medical Certificate, which is only issued after a comprehensive aero-medical evaluation,” Najomo stated.
He further explained that these evaluations are conducted by NCAA Authorized Aviation Medical Examiners (AAMEs) and must be reviewed and approved by in-house aero-medical assessors at the NCAA.
The medical assessments cover critical areas such as cardiovascular, neurological, psychological, metabolic, respiratory, and visual functions. Conditions such as mental or behavioural disorders, abnormal blood pressure, heart or lung disease, and substance use are screened during the process.
“The regulation makes it clear that any disease or condition that could impair a pilot’s ability to safely operate an aircraft disqualifies the applicant,” Najomo said, reinforcing the credibility of Nigerian pilots’ medical certification process.
NCAA Enforces Strict Alcohol and Drug Use Policies
In direct response to the allegations of substance abuse, Najomo cited Nig. CARs Part 8.5.1.5, which strictly prohibits any crew member from acting in a flight role:
- Within eight hours of consuming alcohol
- While under the influence of alcohol
- While using any psychoactive substance that may impair judgement, alertness, or performance
He added that the NCAA conducts on-the-spot drug and alcohol tests where there is reasonable suspicion and also authorizes random and unannounced testing. Results from these tests are legally admissible and may result in enforcement actions.
Commitment to Nigerian Aviation Safety
The NCAA stressed that its operations and standards are in line with global best practices, including those of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
“These procedures ensure that only medically and professionally fit individuals operate in Nigeria’s airspace,” Najomo concluded, urging stakeholders to verify facts before making public allegations that could undermine public trust in aviation safety.
