NCAA Counters Orji Uzor Kalu Over Claim Of Substance Abuse By Flight Crew

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has refuted claims put forward by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu regarding deficiencies in pilot training, the use of substances among flight personnel, and shortcomings in regulatory supervision. Nigerian fashion brands

Responding to Kalu’s statements delivered on the Senate floor on Wednesday, October 15, the Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, released a statement on Thursday, October 16, confirming that Nigeria upholds a strict, globally acknowledged framework for certifying and overseeing the medical and professional suitability of all pilots operating within its airspace.

Najomo pointed out that aviation rules strictly forbid any crew member from working within eight hours of consuming alcohol or while affected by alcohol or psychoactive substances that might compromise judgement, alertness, or performance. He noted that the NCAA performs random and immediate drug and alcohol screenings whenever there is justifiable suspicion of intoxication.

According to him, “No pilot is permitted to operate a Nigerian-registered aircraft without holding both a valid pilot licence and a current medical certificate, as required by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) Part 8.4.1.4.”

He elaborated that pilots with Commercial Pilot Licences (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot Licences (ATPL) must carry a Class 1 Medical Certificate, granted only after thorough assessments by NCAA-authorised aviation medical examiners (AAMEs). These evaluations, he stated, include checks on cardiovascular, neurological, psychological, metabolic, respiratory, and visual functions to ensure pilots are completely fit for duty.

Najomo further noted that medical certificates remain valid for 12 months for pilots under 40 and six months for those aged 40 and above, after which new medical examinations are required prior to renewal.

He stressed that “The regulation makes it clear that an applicant must not suffer from any disease or condition that could suddenly render them unable to perform flight duties safely,” adding that the process screens for psychoactive substance use, mental or behavioural disorders, heart and lung diseases, and neurological conditions that could affect performance.

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