The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) have strongly condemned recent comments by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu alleging that some Nigerian pilots smoke Indian hemp and fly aircraft under the influence of drugs, describing the claim as baseless and damaging to the image of the nation’s aviation industry.
In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Engr. Blessing N. Ahmadu, NAAPE said it was “deeply concerned” by the senator’s remarks during a plenary session of the National Assembly, which it described as a “malicious attack” on the professionalism and integrity of Nigerian aviators.
NAAPE President, Captain Bunmi Gindeh, who spoke on behalf of the Association, insisted that the burden of proof rests with Senator Kalu, urging him to present evidence to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) or publicly withdraw the statement and apologise to the aviation community.
“It is unacceptable to make unsubstantiated claims against a community of professionals,” Captain Gindeh said. “Our members undergo rigorous medical, psychological, and professional screening. To broadly generalise that Nigerian pilots operate under the influence of drugs is not only false but deeply unfair to thousands of disciplined professionals dedicated to ensuring safe skies.”
NAAPE emphasised that the country’s aviation industry operates under strict safety standards set by the NCAA and in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The body noted that Nigerian pilots are subjected to regular and random drug and alcohol testing as part of their medical certification and recurrent assessments.
The association described Nigeria’s air transport sector as one of the safest in Africa, owing to the strict adherence to international safety regulations and professional ethics. It warned that false statements by public figures could erode public confidence, demoralise professionals, and mislead air travellers.
NAAPE also called on the NCAA to issue a public clarification on its drug and alcohol testing procedures for pilots to further reassure the flying public.
“We remain committed to upholding the highest professional standards among our members and will continue to work with regulatory agencies, operators, and international partners to advance aviation safety and excellence,” the statement added.
