NCAA Hosts Aeromedical Seminar on Psychoactive Substance Safety

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reinforced its commitment to aviation safety and regulatory compliance with the successful hosting of a high-level seminar for Authorized Aviation Medical Examiners (AAMEs) and key industry stakeholders, focusing on the growing risks posed by psychoactive substances to aircrew and aviation personnel.
Organised by the Directorate of Operations, Licensing and Training Standards (DOLTS), the seminar was held at the NCAA Training Hall Annex in Ikeja, drawing medical professionals, regulators, and aviation experts from across the country under the theme “Psychoactive Substances: Effects on Aircrew and Aviation Workers.”
Strengthening Compliance and Medical Oversight
In his opening remarks, NCAA Director-General, Captain Chris Ona Najomo—represented by the Lagos Regional Manager, Barrister Bukola Teriba—described the seminar as both timely and critical to sustaining safety standards within Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.
He noted that the training aligns with the NCAA Technical Guidance Material (TGM) Volume 2, which mandates the Authority to conduct annual seminars for designated AAMEs. According to him, the initiative ensures continuous professional development, regulatory compliance, and updated understanding of evolving medical risks affecting flight operations.
Teriba, speaking in her regional capacity, welcomed participants and underscored the importance of the programme in safeguarding passenger confidence and operational integrity, assuring attendees of the Authority’s continued support and collaboration.
Call for Professional Diligence
Delivering remarks on behalf of the DOLTS Director, Captain Donald Spiff, General Manager of Licensing, Captain Manasa Haruna, urged participants to approach the seminar with seriousness and openness to knowledge exchange. He emphasised that strengthening aeromedical competence remains central to preventing safety breaches linked to substance misuse or untreated psychological conditions.
Similarly, the Head of Aeromedical Standards, Dr. Esther Shittu, commended the turnout of specialists from different regions, noting that carefully selected experts were engaged to deliver insights capable of improving Nigeria’s aviation safety management systems and ensuring safer skies.
Expert Insights on Psychoactive Substance Impact
The seminar featured a series of technical presentations examining the medical, psychological, and neurological implications of psychoactive substance use in aviation environments:
Dr. Adetunji Adeyinka addressed classifications, detection methods, and testing protocols for psychoactive substances in aviation medicine.
Dr. Olushola Olibamoyo explored the psychiatric consequences of substance abuse and their implications for pilot judgment and operational safety.
Professor Yomi Oguns examined neurological effects that could impair cognitive and motor performance among aviation personnel.
Dr. Adedayo Oshilowo concluded with guidance on medical assistance and escort responsibilities within airline operations.
Advancing Safer Skies Through Continuous Training
The NCAA noted that sustained education of aviation medical examiners is essential to early detection of health-related risks, improved regulatory enforcement, and strengthened collaboration between medical professionals and aviation operators.
By prioritising aeromedical awareness and compliance, the Authority reaffirmed its broader mandate to uphold international best practices, enhance passenger safety, and ensure Nigeria’s aviation sector remains resilient amid evolving operational and health challenges.