Former Abia State Governor and current Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, has ignited a significant public safety debate by alleging that some Nigerian pilots use illegal substances before operating commercial flights.
During Wednesday’s plenary session, Senator Kalu specifically claimed that some pilots consume cannabis (Indian hemp), calling on the Federal Ministry of Aviation and regulatory bodies to immediately implement stringent oversight measures.
Senator Kalu used his floor remarks to accuse aviation oversight agencies—including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)—of negligence in ensuring pilot fitness.
“The agencies overseeing these pilots are not doing enough. I’ve personally refused to board a flight because the pilot didn’t seem normal. Some of them smoke Indian hemp; yes, it’s true,” Kalu stated.
He criticized the current medical protocols, arguing that a lack of ‘on-the-spot testing’ for drugs and health vitals, such as blood pressure, poses a “dangerous” risk to travelers. The Senator claimed he had once directly intervened to stop a flight due to concerns over the pilot’s condition, stating, “Some take Indian hemp like cigarettes. If you go close, you can smell it.”
Senator Kalu’s claims follow a period of heightened scrutiny on pilot conduct:
- NSIB Report Context: His remarks come weeks after the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) was reported to have identified the presence of alcohol and cannabis in two Air Peace pilots following a runway incident in July 2025 at Port Harcourt International Airport.
- Air Peace Denial: The airline, Air Peace, has forcefully denied the NSIB report, asserting that it maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for substance use. Air Peace management stated that all crew members involved in the incident were tested within an hour, and all results returned negative.
Senator Kalu urged the Minister of Aviation to intensify supervision and ensure that regulatory agencies perform proper, unannounced medical and drug assessments before pilots enter the cockpit. The seriousness of the allegations has prompted calls for a definitive investigation to either substantiate the claims and implement new safety protocols or publicly confirm the fitness of Nigeria’s flight crews.
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