Following recent remarks by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu alleging gaps in pilot training, substance control, and regulatory supervision within Nigeria’s aviation sector, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a strong rebuttal, reaffirming that its oversight systems meet global safety standards.
In a comprehensive response signed by the Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, the NCAA emphasized that it operates one of Africa’s most stringent aviation oversight frameworks – one that aligns with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements and has consistently passed the organization’s safety audits.
Capt. Najomo stated that all pilots operating Nigerian-registered aircraft undergo regular and extensive medical evaluations before they are certified fit to fly. “No pilot can operate without a valid licence and a current medical certificate,” he said.
The NCAA’s procedures, he explained, require holders of Commercial and Airline Transport Pilot Licences to maintain a Class 1 Medical Certificate, renewed after exhaustive physical and psychological examinations.
The tests conducted by NCAA-authorized medical examiners screen for cardiovascular, neurological, respiratory, and mental health conditions, as well as psychoactive substance use.
“These processes are not symbolic. They are deeply technical and designed to eliminate any risk of impairment during flight,” Najomo added.
In line with aviation regulations, pilots under 40 years must renew their medical certification annually, while those 40 and above must do so every six months. Random and unannounced drug and alcohol testing is also part of NCAA’s enforcement structure.
“The law expressly forbids any flight crew member from operating under the influence of alcohol or psychoactive substances, or within eight hours of consumption,” the DG noted. “Our inspectors conduct daily ramp checks across airports to verify compliance, and violations attract immediate sanctions.”
He referenced a recent disciplinary case in August 2025, when a ValueJet pilot was suspended for initiating departure procedures without proper clearance—an example of the Authority’s zero-tolerance policy on safety violations.
On the Senator’s claim that modern aircraft “take off and land themselves,” Najomo clarified that while advanced autopilot and autoland technologies assist operations, pilots remain fully in control.
“Take-offs are manually executed by pilots. Autopilot engagement happens only after reaching a safe altitude, and although some aircraft have autoland capabilities, no Nigerian airport is currently certified for Category III automatic landings,” he explained.
Najomo stressed that the NCAA remains proud of its safety oversight performance, which has earned Nigeria commendable ratings in ICAO’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP).
“Our record speaks for itself. The safety and integrity of Nigerian aviation are non-negotiable,” he said.
While acknowledging Senator Kalu’s concern for aviation safety, the NCAA maintained that his assertions do not reflect the factual situation in Nigeria’s air transport system.
The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of NCAA’s commitment to collaborate with the National Assembly and other stakeholders “to continuously strengthen the safety, security, and global reputation of Nigeria’s aviation industry.”
