The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has urged Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to immediately withdraw the unsubstantiated claims he made 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.
The umbrella body of indigenous pilots and aircraft engineers said it is deeply disturbed by such utterance and funds it very concerning .
The body, according to statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Engineer Blessing Ahmadu, described Kalu’s utterance as baseless claims, which constitute a malicious attack on the professionalism, integrity, and reputation of Nigerian aviation professionals.
He said the senator’s utterance , besides is not only false but represent a dangerous misrepresentation of the rigorous safety standards that govern Nigerian aviation operations.
He said the professional body representing all licensed pilots and aircraft engineers in Nigeria, considers safety as the foremost priority in all aspects of aviation practice.
He said :” 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. “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.
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‘ 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. The suggestion that aircraft are being flown by intoxicated pilots undermines public confidence and the hard-earned integrity of Nigerian aviation professionals.
“NAAPE 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. Any isolated case of misconduct by an individual, if established, is swiftly met with disciplinary and regulatory action by the relevant authorities.
While NAAPE recognises the distinguished Senator’s right to contribute to discussions on aviation safety, it urges all public figures to avoid making sweeping statements that can cause unwarranted alarm among air travellers, demoralise professionals, and erode public trust. Constructive engagement with facts and institutions remains the most effective path to improving safety oversight.”
Speaking on behalf of the Association, Captain Bunmi Gindeh, President of NAAPE, stated:
“It is unacceptable to make unsubstantiated claims against a community of professionals. The burden of proof lies with whoever makes such an allegation, and it must be supported by evidence or withdrawn with a public apology. “Everyone appears to speak as an aviation expert in this country except the professionals who are trained and certified to do the job. For too long, individuals outside the industry have attempted to define its operations, and one would have expected a former airline operator to understand this better. Sadly, this is not the case.
“Our 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.”
NAAPE calls 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.
NAAPE also appeals on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to issue a public clarification on existing drug and alcohol testing procedures for pilots, to further reassure the flying public and correct any misconceptions arising from this allegation.
He said :” The Association further invites the distinguished Senator and members of the National Assembly’s Committee on Aviation to engage with NAAPE and other stakeholders to understand the comprehensive safety framework that governs pilot training, certification, and operations in Nigeria.
“We remain committed to upholding the highest professional standards among our members and will continue to collaborate with regulatory agencies, operators, and international partners to advance safety, discipline, and excellence across all aspects of Nigerian aviation.
“The travelling public is assured that Nigerian pilots remain among the most competent, disciplined, and safety-conscious professionals globally.”
