Former Abia State Governor and Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has expressed concern over alleged drug use among some Nigerian pilots, accusing aviation authorities of negligence and weak regulatory enforcement.
Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary session, Kalu alleged that certain pilots operate under the influence of Indian hemp and that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other relevant agencies have failed to carry out proper checks, including on-the-spot drug tests and health assessments.
He called for urgent action to ensure stricter monitoring and evaluation of pilots, stressing that many appear unfit and careless in the discharge of their duties.
According to him, “On many occasions, I have refused to fly because of the inadequacy of pilots’ preparation. Some of them are not prepared; some of them use Indian hemp. Yes, it’s true. I am telling you what I know because the NCAA and other authorities are not properly checking these pilots for drugs or conducting spot assessments. It is dangerous.”
Kalu further lamented the lack of basic health checks before flights, saying, “You see them walking into the airplane, nobody checks their blood pressure or anything. Most of these pilots are so careless. I have witnessed it, and I have seen it.”
He urged the NCAA and other aviation agencies to “return to their core duties” of ensuring safety and accountability within the sector, warning that continued negligence could endanger lives.