Former Abia State Governor and current Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has raised serious concerns over drug use among some Nigerian pilots, saying some of them smoke Indian hemp and fly under the influence.
Senator Kalu made this shocking claim during a Senate plenary session on Wednesday. He accused the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other relevant agencies of failing to properly monitor pilots to ensure the safety of passengers.
He said that some of the pilots are not only poorly prepared but also engage in dangerous habits like smoking Indian hemp, which puts the lives of passengers at great risk.
“On many occasions, I have refused to fly because of the condition of the pilots. Some of them are not prepared at all,” Kalu told fellow lawmakers. “Some of them smoke Indian hemp. Yes, it’s true. I have seen it.”
He further stated, “They are not properly audited by the authorities. The NCAA and other agencies are not doing their job. They are not checking these pilots for drug use or even doing simple health checks like blood pressure before flights. It is dangerous.”
According to Kalu, he has personally witnessed pilots behaving in a careless manner and even walking into the cockpit smelling of Indian hemp.
“Some of them smoke it like cigarette,” he said. “If you go near them, you will smell it. Nobody is checking them. I don’t think this is normal. These aviation agencies need to wake up.”
The senator called on the NCAA and other regulatory bodies in the aviation sector to carry out proper drug tests and on-the-spot health assessments for pilots to prevent avoidable accidents.
Kalu’s statement has sparked public concern, especially in light of recent aviation incidents in Nigeria and around the world. While there have been no recent high-profile accidents involving drug use in Nigeria’s aviation industry, safety experts believe even one careless pilot can cause disaster.
Aviation is considered one of the most regulated sectors globally, with strict rules on pilot health, behavior, and drug use. Pilots are usually subjected to regular medical examinations and drug screenings in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and others. However, Kalu’s comments suggest that such regulations may not be effectively enforced in Nigeria.
The NCAA is responsible for ensuring safety in Nigeria’s aviation industry. Its duties include licensing of pilots, medical certification, and carrying out inspections to ensure airlines comply with safety standards. But the senator insists that these functions are not being carried out properly.
Following Kalu’s remarks, there have been calls for the NCAA to respond quickly and clarify whether regular drug and health tests are actually being done.
As of press time, the NCAA has not released an official statement in response to Kalu’s allegations.
Senator Kalu urged the Senate and relevant committees to summon the leadership of the NCAA to explain what steps are being taken to monitor pilots and prevent drug-related safety risks.
“If they continue like this, one day something very bad will happen,” Kalu warned.
