The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has refuted the claims made by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu that some pilots operate under the influence of indian hemp, stating that the senator’s claims were largely inaccurate.
Speaking on the floor of the senate on Wednesday, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu had accused the NCAA of laxity stating “I feel that the authorities guiding these pilots, some of them are very lousy.
“I have on many occasions stopped flying because of the inadequacy of the pilots’ preparation. Some of the pilots are not prepared. Some of them use Indian hemp. Yes, it’s true. Some of them smoke Indian hemp, and some of them are not properly audited by the authorities.
“I am telling you what I know, because the NCAA and the NAMA and other authorities are not looking after these pilots and checking them for drugs, on the sport assessment.
“They are not doing it because it is dangerous, and you see them walking into the aeroplane, nobody checks their blood pressure, nobody checks anything, nothing, nothing.” He said.
NCAA Response
In response to the senator’s claims, the NCAA, in a statement on Thursday, signed by its Director General, Chris Najomo, debunked his claims, saying his stance was inadequate.
The NCAA clarified that all pilots flying Nigerian-registered aircraft are required to hold valid licences and current medical certificates, in accordance with Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations.
The Authority explained that these medical certificates are issued only after comprehensive evaluations by NCAA-authorised medical examiners, and further reviewed by the NCAA’s in-house aero-medical team.
He stressed that the medical examinations cover a wide range of health factors, including cardiovascular, neurological, psychological, and respiratory conditions.
Full Statement
The statement read, “While the Authority holds the Distinguished Senator and the National Assembly in the highest esteem, it is necessary to provide factual clarifications in the public interest.
“Contrary to the impression created, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority maintains a rigorous and internationally recognised system for certifying and monitoring the medical and professional fitness of all pilots operating in Nigeria.
“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. 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.”
Also on drug intake, the NCAA stated that its regulations strictly prohibit any crew member from operating an aircraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It stated that the Authority conducts both random and targeted drug and alcohol testing periodically.
The statement added, “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, judgment, or performance.
“In accordance with this regulation, the 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.
“Beyond the medical certification process, NCAA inspectors conduct daily ramp inspections at airports across the country. These inspections are not limited to aircraft alone; they include direct engagement with flight crew.” It concluded.
