By John Umeh
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has strongly denied allegations made by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu suggesting that Nigerian pilots and flight crews may be operating under the influence of alcohol or psychoactive substances.
Responding to the claims, which Kalu raised during Senate proceedings on Wednesday, October 15, the Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, released a statement on Thursday, October 16, stressing that Nigeria’s aviation sector operates under globally recognised safety and medical standards that leave no room for substance abuse among crew members.
According to Najomo, aviation laws clearly prohibit any crew member from flying within eight hours of consuming alcohol or while impaired by drugs. He explained that the NCAA carries out random drug and alcohol testing on pilots whenever there is suspicion of intoxication, in line with international best practices.
“No pilot is allowed to operate a Nigerian-registered aircraft without a valid licence and a current medical certificate,” Najomo said. “These certificates are only issued after thorough examinations conducted by NCAA-accredited aviation medical examiners, covering physical, psychological, and neurological health.”
The DG further noted that pilots holding commercial or airline transport licences must undergo Class 1 medical certification, which is reviewed annually for those under 40 and every six months for those aged 40 and above. These checks, he said, are designed to detect heart disease, lung issues, neurological conditions, and mental health disorders, as well as any trace of substance abuse.
Reassuring the public, Najomo emphasised that the Nigerian aviation system prioritises safety at all levels. “The regulations make it clear—no pilot suffering from any condition that could impair judgment or endanger passengers will ever be cleared to fly,” he stated.
The NCAA urged the public to disregard what it described as unfounded fears, reiterating that Nigerian airspace remains safe and its flight crews meet stringent global aviation safety standards.
