The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has responded to former Abia State Governor, Senator Orji Kalu, after he claimed that certain pilots in the nation are involved in illegal drug activities.
The legislator attributed the issue to regulatory bodies, especially the NCAA, claiming that these agencies have neglected their duty to effectively oversee pilots and guarantee safe flight operations.
Orji expressed that the government’s negligence in their regulatory responsibilities endangers the safety of travelers across the country.
During his address in the Senate on Wednesday, as captured in a video by African Independent Television that our reporter viewed, Kalu condemned the inadequate scrutiny within the aviation industry.
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The ex-governor asserted that the NCAA had failed to meet expectations in its oversight capacity and charged it with permitting a culture of irresponsibility to continue within the sector.
Kalu also disclosed that he had, on several occasions, prevented certain pilots from flying him due to shortcomings identified prior to takeoff.
He stressed that he wouldn’t jeopardize his life under dubious flight circumstances and called on the authorities to take immediate action to rectify the troubling deficiencies in aviation regulation and pilot behavior.
He remarked, “I believe that the officials directing these pilots are, in some cases, quite incompetent. I have frequently ceased flying due to the insufficient training of the pilots. A few of the pilots are unprepared. A few of them utilize Indian hemp. Indeed, that is correct. A portion of them consume Indian hemp, while others have not been adequately reviewed by the authorities.
“I am sharing what I know, as the NCAA, NAMA, and other governing bodies are failing to monitor these pilots and test them for drugs regarding sport evaluation.” They refrain from doing it due to the risks, and as you observe them boarding the airplane, no one examines their blood pressure, no one checks anything, absolutely nothing.
Kalu pointed out that certain pilots are at fault, emphasizing that many modern aircraft, like the Boeing 737-500, are highly automated and should infrequently face landing issues due to their automated landing gear system; thus, they shouldn’t be involved in incidents reported in the country, attributing those to pilot negligence.
“Be aware that the majority of aircraft, 737-500 models, are equipped with an automatic landing gear system.” Landing the plane doesn’t require a pilot. To land the aircraft, a computer and an autopilot are required. Since a few of them are elevated, they won’t proceed with this action. Because any new generation aircraft operates without requiring a pilot. A pilot is not required to operate the aircraft. Take-off and landing are completely automated.
“Many of these pilots are quite negligent.” I have observed, I have experienced firsthand, I have taken to the skies, I informed my pilots, I said, No, no, no, I don’t believe you’re alright today. You need to return home. All these agencies need to return home to take care of the pilots and what do you refer to them as, along with the cabin crew, since some of them use this Indian hemp similar to cigarettes. They won’t inform you. “Approach them, and you’ll catch the scent,” Kalu insisted.
A recent preliminary report from the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau implicated an assistant pilot and flight attendants from Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, in relation to Indian hemp and alcohol.
The senator, nevertheless, called on the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to guarantee that airport runways receive regular maintenance, highlighting that several are in bad shape.
“Therefore, all these agencies need to ‘return home’ to supervise these pilots and carbine staff because some of them use Indian hemp; they won’t admit it, but if you get close, the smell will give it away.”
“Thus, the NCAA needs to resume its responsibilities.” Once more, the Minister of Aviation should be compelled to conduct quarterly maintenance on the runway. Several of the runways are in poor condition.
The NCAA, through a statement from its Director General, Chris Najomo, refuted the senator’s assertions on Thursday, stating that his position was insufficient.
The NCAA specified that every pilot operating Nigerian-registered aircraft must possess valid licenses and up-to-date medical certificates, as per Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations.
The Authority stated that these medical certificates are provided solely after thorough assessments by NCAA-approved medical examiners, and subsequently examined by the NCAA’s internal aero-medical team.
He emphasized that the medical assessments encompass a broad array of health factors, such as cardiovascular, neurological, psychological, and respiratory issues.
The statement stated, “Although the Authority regards the Distinguished Senator and the National Assembly with great respect, it is essential to offer factual clarifications for the sake of public interest.
“Despite the impression given, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority upholds a strict and globally acknowledged procedure for certifying and overseeing the medical and professional suitability of all pilots flying in Nigeria.”
“No pilot is allowed to fly a Nigerian-registered aircraft unless they possess a valid pilot license and a current medical certificate, as stipulated by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) Section 8.4.1.4. Holders of Commercial Pilot Licences (CPL) and Airline Transport Pilot Licences (ATPL) are, according to the regulations of Nig. CARs 2.3.5.1 and 2.3.7.1 mandate that holders must have a Class 1 Medical Certificate prior to being permitted to operate.
Regarding drug use, the NCAA indicated that its rules clearly forbid any team member from piloting an aircraft while impaired by alcohol or drugs. It mentioned that the Authority performs both random and focused drug and alcohol testing at intervals.
The authority noted that a Valuejet pilot was suspended for starting departure procedures without the necessary clearance.
The statement also included, “Furthermore, Nig. CARs Part 8.5.1.5 clearly forbids any crew member from serving as a flight crew member within eight hours of alcohol consumption, while impaired by alcohol, or while using any psychoactive substance that may impact alertness, judgment, or performance.
“Under this regulation, the NCAA conducts immediate alcohol or drug testing when there is just cause to suspect intoxication.” It also permits random and unannounced testing for crew members and allows the results of these tests to be considered as legal evidence.
Apart from the medical certification procedure, NCAA inspectors carry out daily ramp checks at airports nationwide. These inspections aren’t confined to just aircraft; they also involve direct interaction with the flight crew.
