The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has dismissed allegations by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu concerning alleged substance abuse, poor pilot preparation, and regulatory lapses within the country’s aviation industry.
Responding to Kalu’s remarks made during Senate plenary on Wednesday, October 15, the NCAA Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, issued a statement on Thursday, October 16, reaffirming that Nigeria operates a stringent, internationally recognised system for certifying and monitoring the medical and professional fitness of all pilots flying within its airspace.
Najomo clarified that aviation regulations strictly prohibit any crew member from operating within eight hours of alcohol consumption or while under the influence of alcohol or any psychoactive substances that could impair judgement or performance. He added that the NCAA routinely conducts random and on-the-spot drug and alcohol tests whenever there is reasonable suspicion of intoxication.
“No pilot is permitted to operate a Nigerian-registered aircraft without a valid pilot licence and a current medical certificate, as stipulated in the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) Part 8.4.1.4,” he said.
He explained that holders of Commercial Pilot Licences (CPL) and Airline Transport Pilot Licences (ATPL) must possess a Class 1 Medical Certificate, issued only after thorough evaluations by NCAA-authorised aviation medical examiners (AAMEs). These examinations, he said, cover cardiovascular, neurological, psychological, metabolic, respiratory, and visual functions to ensure full fitness for duty.
Najomo further stated that medical certificates are valid for 12 months for pilots under 40 and six months for those aged 40 and above, after which renewal requires fresh medical evaluations.
He stressed that the regulations clearly state that “an applicant must not suffer from any condition or disease likely to impair their ability to perform flight duties safely.” He added that the certification process includes screening for psychoactive substance use, mental or behavioural disorders, and cardiovascular, respiratory, or neurological conditions that could affect performance.
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