The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has debunked the allegations made by the senator representing Abia North and a former airline proprietor, Orji Uzor Kalu, that some Nigerian pilots smoke Indian hemp earlier than flights.
Mr Kalu, in the course of the Senate plenary on Wednesday, had alleged that some pilots get “excessive” earlier than flights and blamed drug use and poor regulatory oversight for runway-related incidents and operational lapses.
In an announcement issued on Thursday by the director-general of the NCAA, Chris Najomo, the authority described the declare as baseless and deceptive, insisting that every one the licensed pilots in Nigeria endure rigorous medical, skilled, and security checks earlier than they’re cleared to fly.
The regulator famous that it runs an internationally recognised system for certifying and monitoring the medical {and professional} health of all pilots working in Nigeria.
“No pilot is permitted to function a Nigerian-registered plane with out holding each a sound pilot licence and a present medical certificates,” the NCAA acknowledged, citing Nigeria Civil Aviation Rules (Nig. CARs) Half 8.4.1.4.
It added that holders of business pilot licences and airline transport pilot licences should possess a Class 1 medical certificates issued solely after complete aero-medical evaluations by NCAA-authorised examiners and verified by in-house aero-medical assessors.
“These examinations cowl cardiovascular, neurological, psychological, metabolic, respiratory, and visible assessments to make sure the pilot’s bodily and psychological health,” the assertion stated.
The checks, it defined, additionally display for using psychoactive substances, psychological or behavioural issues, and different situations that might impair secure flight operations.
Random drug checks, ramp checks and enforcement
The NCAA asserted that Nigeria’s aviation rules explicitly forbids any crew member from appearing as a flight crew member inside eight hours after consuming alcohol or beneath the affect of any psychoactive substance.
“In accordance with this regulation, the NCAA carries out on-the-spot alcohol and drug testing when there may be affordable suspicion of intoxication,” Mr Najomo defined.
He added that the aviation trade watchdog additionally conducts random, unannounced substance checks on crew members, with outcomes admissible as authorized proof.
The NCAA stated its inspectors conduct every day ramp inspections throughout Nigerian airports, checks that embrace plane documentation, crew licences, medical certificates and total health for obligation.
“Any irregularity is straight away addressed, and acceptable enforcement motion is taken. Our zero-tolerance coverage for security violations is properly established,” the assertion added.
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The authority cited its August 2025 suspension of a ValueJet pilot who initiated departure procedures with out correct clearance — an occasion it stated underscores its “uncompromising dedication to security and self-discipline.”
“Take-offs are guide, not computerized”
Responding to Mr Kalu’s suggestion that trendy plane akin to Boeing 737-500s “don’t want pilots” as a result of take-off and touchdown are automated, the NCAA stated the declare is technically inaccurate.
“Take-offs are completely guide operations carried out by the flight crew. Autopilot capabilities are solely activated after take-off, often when the plane reaches a secure altitude,” the assertion famous.
It added that whereas some plane are outfitted with auto land capabilities, these are used solely beneath particular situations and all the time beneath pilots’ supervision.
“Nigeria at present has no airport licensed for Class III (CAT III) operations — the usual required for totally computerized landings in low-visibility situations. Subsequently, all landings inside Nigerian airspace are manually executed by pilots,” the company stated.
Mr Najomo additional stated the NCAA is pleased with the professionalism of Nigerian flight crew and the robustness of its oversight construction, including that the regulator has by no means and won’t condone any apply that may erode public confidence within the aviation system.
Whereas acknowledging the Senate’s concern, the NCAA stated the senator’s feedback “don’t mirror the factual state of regulatory apply within the Nigerian aviation sector.”
“The authority stays open to constructive engagement with the Nationwide Meeting and all stakeholders to additional strengthen the protection, integrity, and international status of Nigeria’s air transport trade,” it added.
