Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority responds to Orji Kalu’s claims on pilot drug use and oversight failures, affirming strict global-standard regulations

Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority response has firmly rebutted claims made by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu regarding alleged lapses in pilot safety standards and substance use within the aviation sector.

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Kalu, speaking on the Senate floor on Wednesday, alleged that Nigerian pilots operate under inadequate preparation, with some allegedly flying under the influence of drugs or alcohol — a statement that has now drawn strong criticism from the NCAA.

Responding in a statement issued on Thursday, the Authority’s Director-General, Captain Chris Najomo, described the allegations as “inaccurate and misleading”, stressing that Nigeria maintains globally benchmarked safety protocols for all flight crew.

“The NCAA operates with a zero-tolerance policy for any safety violation, including substance use,” Najomo said.

He emphasised that Nigerian pilots are subjected to rigorous certification processes, including medical checks conducted by Authorised Aviation Medical Examiners and validated by NCAA in-house experts.

These cover a wide scope — from cardiovascular health to psychological fitness and substance screening.

Furthermore, under Nig. CARs Part 8.5.1.5, pilots are explicitly prohibited from flying within eight hours of alcohol intake, and the Authority conducts random and suspicion-based alcohol and drug tests on crew members.

The NCAA also confirmed that infractions carry severe enforcement actions.

“It is not possible to operate a Nigerian-registered aircraft without holding a valid licence and a current medical certificate,” Najomo affirmed.

Only recently, the Authority suspended the licence of a ValueJet pilot for procedural misconduct — a move the NCAA says underlines its commitment to safety.

Regarding the Senator’s assertion that aircraft largely fly and land automatically, Najomo clarified that take-offs are manually performed, and while some aircraft have autoland capabilities, they require active pilot supervision and are not in use in Nigerian airports, which currently do not meet CAT III instrument landing standards.

“All landings in Nigeria are manually executed by pilots,” the NCAA said, countering Kalu’s claim that pilots are mere passengers in the cockpit.

The Authority added that Nigeria’s aviation sector has consistently passed the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Audit, placing it among nations with effective oversight systems.

Najomo acknowledged the Senator’s concerns but said they do not reflect the true state of regulatory compliance and safety within the Nigerian aviation ecosystem.

In closing, he extended an invitation to the National Assembly and other stakeholders for constructive dialogue aimed at further enhancing Nigeria’s air safety and international standing.