The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has strongly condemned the recent claim by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu that some Nigerian pilots smoke Indian hemp and operate aircraft while under the influence of drugs, describing the allegation as baseless and damaging to the reputation of aviation professionals.
According to the association, the allegation is false and a dangerous misrepresentation of the rigorous safety standards governing aviation operations in the country.
In a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Engr. Blessing N. Ahmadu, NAAPE categorically refuted the senator’s comments, calling them a “malicious attack on the professionalism, integrity, and reputation of Nigerian aviation professionals.”
NAAPE emphasised that all Nigerian pilots are 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 psychoactive substances and subject pilots to regular and random drug and alcohol testing as part of their medical certification and recurrent assessments.
The association reaffirmed its confidence in the NCAA’s safety oversight functions and its consistent enforcement of global best practices. It added that Nigerian aviation operations involve multiple layers of supervision, including pre-flight medical checks, recurrent simulator training, random toxicology screening, and continuous monitoring by operators and regulators.
According to NAAPE, it is inaccurate and misleading to suggest that pilots routinely engage in drug use or operate aircraft under the influence. It warned that such claims undermine public confidence and the hard-earned integrity of aviation professionals, stressing that Nigeria’s air transport sector remains one of the safest in Africa due to strict adherence to international safety standards and professional discipline.
The association stated that while it recognised Senator Kalu’s right to contribute to discussions on aviation safety, public figures must avoid sweeping statements that could alarm travellers, demoralise professionals, and erode trust in the system. It urged that discussions on safety should be based on facts and engagement with relevant institutions.
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 called on Senator Kalu to substantiate his claims with verifiable evidence presented to the NCAA and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) or issue a public withdrawal and apology.
It also urged the NCAA to issue a public clarification on drug and alcohol testing procedures for pilots to reassure the flying public and correct any misconceptions.
The association further invited the senator and members of the National Assembly’s Committee on Aviation to engage with NAAPE and other stakeholders to better understand the safety framework governing pilot training, certification, and operations in Nigeria.
Reiterating its commitment to the highest professional standards, NAAPE assured the travelling public that Nigerian pilots remain among the most competent, disciplined, and safety-conscious professionals globally.
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