The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has condemned claims made by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu during a plenary session of the National Assembly, alleging that some pilots in Nigeria smoke Indian hemp and operate aircraft while under the influence of drugs.
NAAPE, in a statement signed by Blessing Ahmadu, Public Relations Officer, NAAPE, said the body categorically and emphatically refutes the broad allegation that Nigerian pilots routinely fly under the influence of narcotics.
“These baseless claims, which constitute a malicious attack on the professionalism, integrity, and reputation of Nigerian aviation professionals, are not only false but represent a dangerous misrepresentation of the rigorous safety standards that govern Nigerian aviation operations.
“As the professional body representing all licensed pilots and aircraft engineers in Nigeria, NAAPE considers safety as the foremost priority in all aspects of aviation practice. Every pilot in the country is bound by strict regulatory, medical, and ethical standards established by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) requirements,” Ahmadu said.
She stated that these standards prohibit the use of any psychoactive substances and subject pilots to regular and random drug and alcohol testing as part of their medical certification and recurrent assessment processes.
” We also express our confidence in the safety oversight functions of the NCAA and its leadership, whose consistent enforcement of global best practices continues to uphold the integrity of the Nigerian aviation system,” she added.
Ahmadu noted that it is inaccurate and misleading to suggest that pilots routinely engage in drug use or report to duty under the influence of such substances.
“Aviation operations in Nigeria involve multiple layers of oversight, including pre-flight medical checks, recurrent simulator training, random toxicology screening, and continuous monitoring by both operators and regulators.
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“The suggestion that aircraft are being flown by intoxicated pilots undermines public confidence and the hard-earned integrity of Nigerian aviation professionals,” she explained.
She further notes that Nigeria’s air transport sector remains one of the safest in Africa, a record sustained through strict adherence to international safety standards and continuous professional development, adding that any isolated case of misconduct by an individual, if established, is swiftly met with disciplinary and regulatory action by the relevant authorities.
Ahmadu said members undergo some of the most rigorous medical, psychological, and professional screening anywhere in the world.
“To broadly generalise and suggest that Nigerian pilots operate aircraft while under the influence of drugs is not only false but deeply unfair to the thousands of disciplined professionals who dedicate their lives to ensuring safe skies. We take great pride in our safety record and remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.”
The body called on Senator Kalu to immediately substantiate his claims with verifiable evidence presented to the appropriate statutory government agencies, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), or issue an unreserved public withdrawal and apology to the nation’s aviators.
