The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Thursday debunked Senator Orji Kalu’s allegations on the floor of the Senate that pilots and plane crews were involved in substance abuse while the Authority does not do proper checks.
The Director General, NCAA Capt. Chris Najomo, while reacting to the allegations, said contrary to the impression created, the agency maintains a rigorous and internationally recognised system for certifying and monitoring the medical and professional fitness of all pilots operating in Nigeria.
He noted that 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 added that holders of Commercial Pilot Licences (CPL) and Airline Transport Pilot Licences (ATPL) are by the provisions of Nig. CARs 2.3.5.1 and 2.3.7.1, required to possess a Class 1 Medical Certificate before they are allowed to operate.
Najomo added: “These medical certificates are issued only after comprehensive aero-medical evaluations by NCAA Authorized Aviation Medical Examiners (AAMEs) followed by approval of the medical report by NCAA’s in-house aero-medical assessors.
“The scope of these examinations is extensive. It covers cardiovascular, neurological, psychological, metabolic, respiratory, and visual assessments to ensure that the pilot is fit to operate an aircraft safely. Nig. CARs Part 2.11.2.6(b) details the physical and mental requirements that must be met before a medical certificate is issued.”
“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.
“It also screens for the use of psychoactive substances, mental or behavioural disorders, abnormal blood pressure, heart or lung diseases, neurological disorders, and other physiological conditions that could affect safe performance.
“Medical certificates are valid for twelve months for pilots under 40 years of age and six months for those aged 40 and above. At the expiration of these periods, pilots must undergo a new series of medical tests before their certificates can be renewed.
“In addition to this, Nig. CARs Part 8.5.1.5 explicitly prohibits any crew member from acting as a flight crew member within eight hours after consuming alcohol, while under the influence of alcohol, or while using any psychoactive substance that could affect alertness, judgement, or performance.
“In accordance with this regulation, NCAA carries out on-the-spot alcohol or drug testing when there is reasonable suspicion of intoxication. It further authorises random and unannounced testing for crew members and allows the results of such tests to be used as legal evidence.”
Najomo said that beyond the medical certification process, NCAA inspectors conduct daily ramp inspections at airports across the country.
These inspections, he added, are not limited to aircraft alone; they include direct engagement with flight crew.
Najomo stressed that during these inspections, inspectors verify crew licences, medical certificates, and general fitness for duty, saying any irregularity is immediately addressed, and appropriate enforcement action is taken in line with the Authority’s zero-tolerance policy for safety violations.
He said recently, in August 2025, the NCAA suspended the licence of a ValueJet pilot for initiating departure procedures without proper clearance, an example that underscores the Authority’s uncompromising commitment to safety and discipline.
Najomo stated: “It is therefore inaccurate to suggest that pilots operate under the influence of substances or without adequate checks.
“The processes in place are not only thorough but also consistent with global standards prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
“Nigeria’s aviation oversight system has consistently met ICAO audit requirements under the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), placing the country among those maintaining effective safety supervision systems.”