The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has formally called on Senator Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia North to provide concrete proof supporting his assertion that certain Nigerian pilots consume Indian hemp and operate aircraft while impaired by drugs. Failing this, NAAPE demands that he retract his statement immediately.
In an official release by its Public Relations Officer, Engr. Blessing Ahmadu, NAAPE urged the former governor of Abia State to submit any evidence to the relevant regulatory bodies-the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB). Alternatively, he should issue a full public apology to the nation’s aviation professionals for the unfounded allegations.
The association strongly rejects the sweeping claim that Nigerian pilots habitually fly under the influence of narcotics. Such accusations, described as baseless and defamatory, undermine the professionalism, integrity, and reputation of aviation experts in Nigeria. NAAPE emphasized that these statements dangerously misrepresent the stringent safety protocols that govern aviation operations across the country.
As the official body representing all licensed pilots and aircraft engineers in Nigeria, NAAPE highlighted that safety remains the paramount concern in every facet of aviation practice. “Every pilot operating within Nigeria adheres to rigorous regulatory, medical, and ethical standards set forth by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, aligned with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines. These regulations strictly forbid the use of psychoactive substances and mandate regular, random drug and alcohol screenings as part of ongoing medical certification and recurrent evaluations. We also affirm our trust in the NCAA’s oversight capabilities and leadership, whose steadfast enforcement of global best practices continues to safeguard the integrity of Nigerian aviation,” the statement read.
Addressing the nature of the allegations, NAAPE clarified that it is both inaccurate and misleading to imply that pilots frequently engage in drug use or report for duty while impaired. Aviation in Nigeria is subject to multiple layers of scrutiny, including pre-flight medical examinations, recurrent simulator training, random toxicology tests, and continuous supervision by operators and regulatory authorities. Suggesting that flights are conducted by intoxicated pilots not only erodes public trust but also tarnishes the hard-earned reputation of Nigerian aviation professionals.
NAAPE further pointed out that Nigeria’s air transport industry is among the safest on the African continent, a status maintained through strict compliance with international safety standards and ongoing professional development. The association noted that any confirmed individual misconduct is promptly addressed through disciplinary and regulatory measures by the appropriate authorities.
Speaking on behalf of NAAPE, Captain Bunmi Gindeh, the association’s President, remarked:
“It is unacceptable to level unproven accusations against a dedicated community of professionals. The responsibility to provide evidence rests solely with the accuser, who must either substantiate their claims or publicly retract them. In Nigeria, many claim expertise in aviation, yet few possess the formal training and certification required to operate within this field. One would expect a former airline operator to appreciate this reality, but regrettably, that expectation has not been met.
“Our members undergo some of the most comprehensive medical, psychological, and professional assessments worldwide. To generalize and insinuate that Nigerian pilots operate aircraft under the influence of drugs is not only false but profoundly unjust to the thousands of disciplined professionals committed to ensuring safe air travel. We take immense pride in our safety record and remain unwavering in our dedication to uphold the highest standards of professionalism.”
