The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has publicly refuted claims made by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia North, who alleged on the Senate floor that pilots and flight crews engage in substance abuse and that the Authority fails to conduct adequate checks.
Captain Chris Najomo, the Director-General of NCAA, responded by emphasizing that the Authority enforces a stringent and globally recognized framework for certifying and continuously monitoring the medical and professional qualifications of all pilots operating within Nigeria.
He explained, “No pilot is authorized to fly a Nigerian-registered aircraft without possessing both a valid pilot license and an up-to-date medical certificate, as mandated by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) Part 8.4.1.4. Specifically, holders of Commercial Pilot Licenses (CPL) and Airline Transport Pilot Licenses (ATPL) must have a Class 1 Medical Certificate in accordance with Nig. CARs 2.3.5.1 and 2.3.7.1 before they can operate.”
Captain Najomo further detailed that these medical certificates are granted only after thorough aero-medical examinations conducted by NCAA Authorized Aviation Medical Examiners (AAMEs), with subsequent approval from the Authority’s internal aero-medical assessors.
He highlighted the comprehensive nature of these assessments, which include evaluations of cardiovascular health, neurological function, psychological stability, metabolic conditions, respiratory capacity, and vision. These rigorous checks ensure pilots meet the physical and mental standards necessary for safe flight operations, as outlined in Nig. CARs Part 2.11.2.6(b).
“The regulations explicitly prohibit any applicant with medical conditions that could suddenly impair their ability to perform flight duties safely,” Capt. Najomo added. “This includes screening for psychoactive substance use, mental health disorders, abnormal blood pressure, heart and lung diseases, neurological impairments, and other health issues that might compromise safety.”
Medical certificates are valid for one year for pilots under 40 and six months for those aged 40 and above, after which pilots must undergo fresh medical evaluations to renew their certification.
Moreover, Nig. CARs Part 8.5.1.5 strictly forbids any crew member from participating in flight duties within eight hours of consuming alcohol or while under the influence of any psychoactive substances that could impair judgment or alertness. To enforce this, NCAA conducts immediate alcohol and drug tests when intoxication is suspected and also carries out random, unannounced screenings. The results of these tests are admissible as legal evidence.
Beyond medical certification, NCAA inspectors perform daily ramp inspections at airports nationwide. These inspections involve direct interaction with flight crews to verify licenses, medical certificates, and overall fitness for duty. Any discrepancies are promptly addressed with enforcement actions aligned with the Authority’s zero-tolerance stance on safety breaches.
As a recent example, in August 2025, NCAA suspended the license of a ValueJet pilot who attempted to initiate departure without proper clearance, demonstrating the Authority’s unwavering dedication to maintaining safety and discipline.
Therefore, the assertion that pilots operate under the influence or without proper checks is unfounded. The NCAA’s procedures are thorough and align with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Nigeria’s aviation oversight system has consistently passed ICAO’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), affirming the country’s commitment to effective safety supervision.
Regarding the Senator’s remarks about modern aircraft taking off and landing automatically, the NCAA clarified that while many contemporary airplanes feature advanced autopilot and autoland technologies, these systems do not replace pilot control.
“Takeoffs are fully manual and executed by the flight crew. Autopilot is engaged only after the aircraft reaches a safe altitude post-takeoff. Similarly, autoland functions are employed solely under specific weather and airport conditions and always under pilot supervision,” the NCAA stated.
Furthermore, Nigeria currently lacks airports certified for Category III (CAT III) operations, which are necessary for fully automated landings in low-visibility scenarios. Consequently, all landings within Nigerian airspace are manually performed by pilots.
