In a statement on Thursday, the NCAA dismissed comments made
by Orji Kalu, senator representing Abia north, over alleged inadequacies in
pilot preparation, claims of substance use among flight crew, and supposed
lapses in the authority’s oversight responsibilities.

Kalu had, during plenary on October 15, made the claim while
speaking in support of a motion that raised safety concerns following the
Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) report on the Air Peace runway
incident at the Port Harcourt International Airport.

He alleged that some pilots operating in Nigeria’s aviation
industry smoke Indian hemp.

Reacting, the NCAA said it maintains a “rigorous and
internationally recognised system” for certifying and monitoring the medical
and professional fitness of all pilots operating in Nigeria.

“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,” the statement reads.

“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 (CL) 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.”

According to the authority, medical certificates are issued
only after comprehensive aero-medical evaluations by NCAA authorised aviation
medical examiners (AAMEs) followed by approval of the medical report by NCAA’s
in-house aero-medical assessors.

The NCAA said the examinations cover cardiovascular,
neurological, psychological, metabolic, respiratory and visual assessments to
ensure pilots are fit to operate an aircraft safely.

“It also screens for the use of psychoactive substances,
mental or behavioral disorders, abnormal blood pressure, heart or lung
diseases, neurological disorders, and other physiological conditions that could
affect safe performance,” the authority added.

“Medical certificates are valid for twelve months for pilots
under 40 years of age and six months for those aged 40 and above. At the
expiration of these periods, pilots must undergo a new series of medical tests
before their certificates can be renewed.”

The NCAA said its regulations prohibit flight crew from
operating an aircraft within eight hours of consuming alcohol or while under
the influence of any substance that could affect performance.

‘NCAA CONDUCTS RANDOM DRUG TEST ON CREW MEMBERS’

The authority added that it conducts random and unannounced
testing for crew members, with results admissible as legal evidence.

NCAA also said it conducts daily ramp inspections at
airports across the country, where inspectors verify crew licences, medical
certificates, and general fitness for duty.

“Any irregularity is immediately addressed, and appropriate
enforcement action is taken in line with the Authority’s zero-tolerance policy
for safety violations,” NCAA said.

The aviation regulator cited a recent example in August
2025, when it suspended the licence of a ValueJet pilot for initiating
departure without proper clearance — an action it said underscores its
commitment to safety and discipline.

“It is therefore inaccurate to suggest that pilots operate
under the influence of substances or without adequate checks,” the statement
added.

The NCAA said Nigeria’s aviation oversight system aligns
with global standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization
(ICAO) and has consistently met ICAO’s audit requirements under the universal
safety oversight audit programme (USOAP).

On Kalu’s assertion that modern aircraft “take off and land
automatically,” the authority said while many aircraft are equipped with
autopilot and autoland features, they do not replace pilot responsibilities.

The agency clarified that take-offs are entirely manual, and
although autoland systems exist, they are used only under specific weather
conditions and always under pilot supervision.

“Nigeria does not currently have any airport certified for
Category III (CAT III) operations, which are required for fully automatic
landings in low-visibility conditions. Therefore, all landings within Nigerian
airspace are manually executed by pilots,” the authority said.

The NCAA reaffirmed its commitment to uphold the highest
standards of safety through continuous inspections, random substance testing,
enforcement actions, and strict adherence to ICAO provisions.