NCAA dismisses Orji Kalu’s claims, says aviation security in Nigeria meets requirements 

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has dismissed allegations by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu that the company’s regulatory oversight is weak, that some Nigerian pilots are unfit or poorly skilled, and that a couple of interact in drug or alcohol use.

The Authority said that aviation security in Nigeria meets worldwide requirements and that each one licensed pilots are medically licensed and routinely screened to make sure compliance with security laws.

The NCAA’s place was contained in a press release issued on Thursday by Captain Chris Najomo, the Director-Basic of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Najomo described the senator’s claims as inaccurate and deceptive, emphasizing that Nigeria’s aviation regulatory framework absolutely aligns with requirements set by the Worldwide Civil Aviation Group (ICAO).

Necessary medical examinations 

He defined that each one pilots endure obligatory and periodic medical examinations carried out by accredited aviation medical experts to confirm each their bodily and psychological health earlier than being cleared to function.

Najomo added that the Authority enforces strict compliance monitoring, together with random drug and alcohol checks, to make sure that no pilot who fails to satisfy medical or security necessities is permitted to fly.

“The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has famous with concern the feedback made by Distinguished Senator Orji Uzor Kalu on the ground of the Senate concerning alleged inadequacies in pilot preparation, claims of substance use amongst flight crew, and supposed lapses within the Authority’s oversight obligations. 

“Whereas the Authority holds the Distinguished Senator and the Nationwide Meeting within the highest esteem, it’s mandatory to supply factual clarifications within the public curiosity. 

“Opposite to the impression created, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority maintains a rigorous and internationally acknowledged system for certifying and monitoring the medical {and professional} health of all pilots working in Nigeria,” the assertion learn partially. 

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu had, throughout a latest Senate session, alleged lapses within the NCAA’s monitoring programs and claimed that some pilots had been unfit or engaged in substance use.

The NCAA dismissed the allegations as baseless, citing its adherence to Worldwide Civil Aviation Group (ICAO) requirements and constantly sturdy scores beneath the Common Security Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP).

The Authority mentioned its oversight covers all points of air transport operations, together with pilot licensing, plane upkeep, airworthiness certification, and operational audits. It added that claims of unsafe or poorly supervised flight operations don’t mirror the true state of Nigeria’s aviation system.

Extra insights 

Based on the assertion, holders of Industrial Pilot Licences (CPL) and Airline Transport Pilot Licences (ATPL) should maintain legitimate Class 1 Medical Certificates issued after complete aero-medical evaluations by NCAA-authorised examiners. These assessments cowl cardiovascular, neurological, psychological, respiratory, and visible well being to make sure operational health.

• Certificates are legitimate for 12 months for pilots beneath 40 and 6 months for these aged 40 and above, after which renewal requires recent medical checks. The NCAA additionally prohibits pilots from working drunk or psychoactive substances, implementing compliance by way of random and on-the-spot testing nationwide.
• The Authority mentioned it conducts day by day ramp inspections at airports throughout the nation to confirm plane situation, crew documentation, and security compliance. Najomo cited the suspension of a ValueJet pilot in August 2025 for procedural violations as proof of the NCAA’s strict enforcement of security requirements.
• He additional clarified that, opposite to the senator’s assertions, take-offs and landings in Nigeria are manually carried out by pilots. Whereas plane might have autopilot and autoland programs, Najomo mentioned no Nigerian airport is at the moment licensed for Class III (CAT III) operations, that are required for absolutely automated landings.

The NCAA emphasised that Nigeria’s aviation oversight framework constantly meets ICAO requirements and reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance towards any apply that might undermine public confidence within the aviation sector.