Former Abia State Governor and Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has expressed deep concern over what he described as rising cases of drug use among some Nigerian pilots, accusing aviation authorities of neglecting their regulatory duties.
Speaking during Wednesday’s Senate plenary, Kalu alleged that certain pilots operate under the influence of Indian hemp, posing a serious risk to air safety. He criticized the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and related agencies for failing to carry out regular health screenings, including random drug and alcohol tests.
According to the senator, he has personally avoided flights in the past due to concerns about pilots’ preparedness and professionalism. “Some of them use Indian hemp. I am telling you what I know. The NCAA and other authorities are not conducting proper checks on pilots. Nobody checks their blood pressure or health status before they fly,” he said.
Kalu warned that the situation could lead to avoidable disasters if not urgently addressed. He urged aviation regulators to enforce stricter supervision and reintroduce on-the-spot health and drug assessments for pilots. “These agencies must come back home to look after the pilots because some of them take this Indian hemp like cigarettes,” he added.
The senator’s remarks have sparked widespread discussion within the aviation community, as stakeholders call for an independent investigation and stronger enforcement of safety regulations to preserve Nigeria’s air travel integrity.
