Youth group backs Kalu on drug test for pilots, urges NCAA, NDLEA to act swiftly

The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL) has thrown its weight behind the call by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for stricter drug testing of pilots in Nigeria, urging the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to act swiftly to safeguard lives and restore public confidence in the aviation industry.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its President General, Goodluck Ibem, alongside Adeyemo Adewale (Publicity Secretary), Junaid Abubakar (Secretary General), and Iniobong Sampson (PRO), CONYL described Senator Kalu’s concern as “a bold and timely wake-up call” to the nation’s aviation regulators.

“The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), the umbrella body of youth groups drawn across the six geopolitical zones, stands firmly behind Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s recent statement in the Senate regarding the concerning issue of pilots using hard drugs before flying aircraft,” the group said.

“We commend Senator Kalu for bringing this critical issue to light and acknowledge the urgent need for our aviation regulatory bodies, particularly the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), to take decisive action.”

CONYL noted that Senator Kalu’s position carried significant weight, given his background as a major stakeholder in the aviation sector and owner of an airline.

“Senator Kalu spoke with deep knowledge of the system. His claim is not baseless. There have been cases — including one where a pilot overshot the runway, and subsequent medical tests on the pilot revealed the presence of hard drugs in his system. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of inadequate oversight in pilot medical testing,” the group stated.

The youth leaders emphasised that the safety of passengers and crew must remain a non-negotiable priority. They urged the NCAA to strengthen its medical evaluation processes and ensure regular, mandatory testing of pilots to detect drug use or other impairing conditions before any flight operations.

“We echo Senator Kalu’s bold statement that the NCAA and relevant aviation authorities must enhance their protocols for ensuring that pilots are fit to fly. Regular and rigorous medical testing is imperative to safeguard the lives of both passengers and crew, and to uphold the integrity of our aviation sector,” the group added.

The coalition also called on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to collaborate closely with aviation regulators in the effort to maintain drug-free cockpits.

“In addition, we call upon the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to deploy its medical team to assist in this critical area. Collaborative efforts between the NDLEA and aviation authorities can significantly contribute to monitoring and preventing drug use among pilots, thereby enhancing air safety across Nigeria.”

“The safety of our citizens should always be the paramount priority. We urge the NCAA and all relevant stakeholders to heed Senator Kalu’s call and implement comprehensive measures that will not only protect lives but also restore public confidence in our aviation industry,” the statement read.

“We believe that by working together, we can prevent future tragedies and ensure that those responsible for flying our aircraft are thoroughly vetted and free from substances that could impair their judgment,” they said.