The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has strongly condemned Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s allegations that some Nigerian pilots smoke Indian hemp and operate aircraft under the influence of drugs.
NAAPE categorically refuted the claims, describing them as baseless and malicious.
The association emphasised that Nigerian pilots undergo rigorous medical, psychological, and professional screening, and are subject to regular and random drug and alcohol testing. NAAPE expressed confidence in the safety oversight functions of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and its leadership.
It called on Kalu to substantiate his claims with verifiable evidence or issue an unreserved public withdrawal and apology. The association also appealed to the NCAA to issue a public clarification on existing drug and alcohol testing procedures for pilots.
According to Captain Bunmi Gindeh, President of NAAPE, “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“The burden of proof lies with whoever makes such an allegation, and it must be supported by evidence or withdrawn with a public apology”.