NCAA Blasts Orji Uzor Kalu Over 'Reckless' Drug Allegations Against Nigerian Pilots

... Aviation Authority describes Kalu's claim that pilots smoke Indian hemp before flying as "baseless and damaging,ÔÇØ challenges him to provide evidence or retract statement.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has slammed the Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, over what it described as reckless and unfounded allegations that Nigerian pilots use Indian hemp and other psychoactive substances before flying.

Kalu, during a plenary session in the Senate, alleged that some Nigerian pilots "smoke Indian hempÔÇØ and operate aircraft while unfit, accusing the NCAA and other regulatory agencies of negligence and failure to conduct spot checks.

But the NCAA, in a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, dismissed Kalu's comments as "false, sensational, and damaging to Nigeria's aviation reputation,ÔÇØ noting that the senator's claims were inconsistent with global aviation safety standards and the rigorous procedures in place for medical and professional certification of pilots.

"No pilot is permitted to operate a Nigerian-registered aircraft without holding a valid pilot licence and current medical certificate,ÔÇØ - Captain Chris Najomo, NCAA Director-General.

Najomo explained that the NCAA maintains a strict and internationally recognized safety framework that ensures pilots undergo comprehensive aero-medical evaluations before certification. These tests, he said, cover cardiovascular, psychological, neurological, and metabolic health as well as random drug and alcohol screening.

He added that any pilot found violating substance abuse regulations faces immediate suspension or licence withdrawal, citing a recent case in August 2025 where a ValueJet pilot was disciplined for procedural misconduct - proof that NCAA enforces a zero-tolerance policy.

Najomo also clarified Kalu's technical claims about autopilot systems, describing them as ignorant and misleading.

According to him, while modern aircraft are fitted with autopilot and autoland systems, take-offs remain fully manual, and automatic landing features are only used under specific approved conditions - none of which currently exist in Nigeria, as the country has no Category III (CAT III) certified airports.

Aviation observers have criticized Kalu's statement as irresponsible and politically motivated, warning that such remarks from a former state governor and senior lawmaker could damage international confidence in Nigeria's aviation safety.

A senior aviation analyst told All Facts Newspaper that Kalu's utterances were "embarrassing for a senator who should know better,ÔÇØ and could discourage investors and travelers if not quickly corrected.

Meanwhile, the NCAA reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest global safety standards in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations and the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), which places Nigeria among the countries with effective aviation supervision systems.

The controversy has sparked public debate, with many Nigerians on social media urging Senator Kalu to either provide evidence or issue a public apology to the nation's aviation professionals.