In response to allegations made against it on the floor of National Assembly by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has stated that the issues raised do not reflect the factual state of regulatory practice in the aviation sector in Nigeria.
Senator Kalu had on the floor of the Senate alleged that lapses in the oversight responsibilities of NCAA were responsible for inadequacies in pilot preparation and psychoactive substance use among flight crew,
Responding, in a statement signed by the Director General of NCAA, (DGCA), Capt Chris Najomo, while the issues of concerns raised by the Distinguished Senator, are noted, however, they do not represent the facts about regulatory practice in Nigeria.
“The concerns expressed by the Distinguished Senator are duly noted; however, they do not reflect the factual state of regulatory practice in the Nigerian aviation sector,” Najomo clarified.
The DGCA added, “the NCAA remains open to constructive engagement with the National Assembly and all stakeholders to strengthen the safety, security, integrity, and global reputation of Nigeria’s air transport industry.”
Explaining regulatory oversight practices in Nigeria, the Najomo clarified that, contrary to the impression created by Senator Kalu on the floor of the National Assembly, the CAA maintains a rigorous and globally accepted system for certifying and monitoring the currency of all flight personnel operating in Nigerian airspace.
Najoma said: “Contrary to the impression created, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority maintains a rigorous and internationally recognized system for certifying and monitoring the medical and professional fitness of all pilots operating in Nigeria.
“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 (CPL) 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.
“These medical certificates are issued only after comprehensive aero-medical evaluations by NCAA Authorized Aviation Medical Examiners (AAMEs) followed by approval of the medical report by NCAA’s in-house aero-medical assessors.”
On the scope of the medical examinations, the DGCA added,”…it is extensive. It covers cardiovascular, neurological, psychological, metabolic, respiratory, and visual assessments to ensure that the pilot is fit to operate an aircraft safely.”
This, he stated is in line with Nig. CARs Part 2.11.2.6(b) details the physical and mental requirements that must be met before a medical certificate is issued.
The regulation, according to him, makes it clear that an applicant must not suffer from any disease or condition that could suddenly render them unable to perform flight duties safely. It also screens for the use of psychoactive substances, mental or behavioural disorders, abnormal blood pressure, heart or lung diseases, neurological disorders, and other physiological conditions that could affect safe performance.”
He asserted that 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.
Citing the relevant provisions of the NCAA Regulations to buttress his position on prohibition, Najomo submitted, “Nig. CARs Part 8.5.1.5 explicitly prohibits any crew member from acting as a flight crew member within eight hours after consuming alcohol, while under the influence of alcohol, or while using any psychoactive substance that could affect alertness, judgement, or performance.”
In accordance with this regulation, he affirmed that NCAA carries out on-the-spot alcohol or drug testing when there is reasonable suspicion of intoxication. It further authorizes random and unannounced testing for crew members and allows the results of such tests to be used as legal evidence.
Also beyond the medical certification process, the DGCA said that NCAA inspectors conduct daily ramp inspections at airports across the country. These inspections, he said, “are not limited to aircraft alone; they include direct engagement with flight crew.”
He explained further that during these inspections, inspectors verify crew licences, medical certificates, and general fitness for duty.
He said, “any irregularity is immediately addressed, and appropriate enforcement action is taken in line with the Authority’s zero-tolerance policy for safety violations.”
Supporting his claims with recent deployment, the DGCA said, “Only recently, in August 2025, the NCAA suspended the licence of a ValueJet pilot for initiating departure procedures without proper clearance, an example that underscores the Authority’s uncompromising commitment to safety and discipline.”
Najomo therefore rejected the insinuation that Nigerian pilots operate under influence of psychoactive substances without adequate checks.
“It is therefore inaccurate to suggest that pilots operate under the influence of substances or without adequate checks. The processes in place are not only thorough but also consistent with global standards prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO),” he posited.
He argued further that the oversight system in Nigeria has consistently met ICAO audit requirements
“Nigeria’s aviation oversight system has consistently met ICAO audit requirements under the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), placing the country among those maintaining effective safety supervision systems.”
On the claims by Senator Kalu that modern airplanes take off and land automatically, Najomo enlightened that the equipment are still subjected to pilots’ controls during take off and the categorisation of the runway during landing.
“With regard to the Senator’s comments suggesting that modern airplanes take off and land automatically, the Authority wishes to clarify that while many modern aircraft are equipped with advanced autopilot and autoland systems, these systems do not replace pilot control.
“Take-offs are entirely manual operations carried out by the flight crew.
“Autopilot functions are only activated after take-off, usually when the aircraft reaches a safe altitude.
“Similarly, although some aircraft have autoland capabilities, these are used only under specific weather and airport conditions and always under pilot supervision.”
He however clarified that 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,” he enlightened.
While he restated that NCAA remains proud of its safety oversight record and the professionalism of Nigerian flight crew, Najomo affirmed that the Authority continues to uphold the highest standards of safety through continuous inspections, random substance testing, enforcement actions, and strict adherence to ICAO provisions.
“The NCAA reiterates that the safety of air transport operations in Nigeria remains paramount and uncompromised. The Authority has never and will never tolerate any act that endangers public confidence in the aviation system,” he affirmed.
