Provide Evidence Of Substance Use Or Withdraw Statement, NAAPE Tells Senator Orji
By Stella Enenche, Abuja
The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has called on the Senator representing Abia North, Kalu Orji to furnish verifiable evidence in support of his claims that pilots operate aircraft under the influence of drugs or withdraw the statement.
NAAPE said the senator should present his evidence to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).
The association, in a statement on Friday by the Public Relations Officer, Engr. Blessing Ahmadu, said the senator should apologise to aviators for making such claims.
According to them, the claims were
baseless and constitute a malicious attack on the professionalism, integrity, reputation of Nigerian aviation professionals and also represent a dangerous misrepresentation of the rigorous safety standards that govern Nigerian aviation operations.
The body added that 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 The burden of proof lies with whoever makes such an allegation, and it must be supported by evidence or withdrawn with a public apology.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 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.
The Association has invited the 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,”NAAPE said.
