The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has strongly denied allegations made by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu that some pilots in the country smoke Indian hemp before operating flights.
During a Senate session earlier this week, Kalu alleged that certain pilots in Nigeria consume hard drugs, including cannabis, and operate aircraft under the influence. He accused aviation regulators of failing to properly monitor flight crew fitness and drug use.
However, in a swift rebuttal, the NCAA described the claim as “false, baseless, and misleading.”
In a statement signed by its Director-General, Captain Chris Najomo, the authority emphasized that all pilots flying Nigerian-registered aircraft are required to hold valid licences and medical certificates issued under strict international standards.
“The NCAA maintains a robust medical evaluation process that includes cardiovascular, neurological, and psychological assessments, as well as mandatory screening for psychoactive substances,” the statement read.
The aviation regulator explained that it routinely conducts random and targeted drug and alcohol tests on flight crew members, alongside on-the-spot checks when there is any cause for suspicion. It also carries out daily ramp inspections at airports nationwide to verify crew licences, medical fitness, and compliance with safety regulations.
Najomo assured the public that Nigeria’s aviation oversight system aligns fully with global safety standards and operates a zero-tolerance policy toward substance abuse.
“There is no evidence whatsoever that any licensed pilot in Nigeria operates under the influence of Indian hemp or any narcotic substance,” he stated.
The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) also condemned Kalu’s remarks, calling them “malicious and damaging” to the reputation of Nigerian pilots. The association said flight crew members undergo rigorous training, periodic medical assessments, and regular regulatory checks, leaving no room for the kind of misconduct alleged.
“Senator Kalu’s comments are unfounded and unfair. If he has evidence, he should present it to the appropriate authorities instead of tarnishing the image of an entire profession,” NAAPE said in a statement.
The NCAA urged the public to disregard the allegation and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety, discipline, and professionalism in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
