October 16, (THEWILL) — Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, has alleged that some Nigerian pilots operate flights under the influence of drugs, including Indian hemp, calling for immediate mandatory drug testing to ensure air safety.
Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary on a motion by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North) concerning the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) report on the June 22, 2025, Air Peace Boeing 737-500 incident, Kalu accused the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other aviation regulators of negligence and poor oversight.
“I’ve refused to fly several times because some pilots were clearly unprepared. Some depend on outside help; others even use substances before flights, and the authorities look away,” Kalu said.
The former Abia State governor urged aviation authorities to conduct regular, on-the-spot drug and health checks to ensure only fit and sober pilots operate flights in the country.
“On many occasions, I have refused to board because of inadequate pilot preparation. Some of them use Indian hemp.
“Yes, it’s true. Some of them smoke it and are not properly audited by the authorities. NCAA and others are not conducting on-the-spot drug assessments. It’s dangerous. Nobody checks their blood pressure or medical fitness before flights,” Kalu said.
He added that aviation safety is non-negotiable and essential to national security, economic growth, and Nigeria’s global reputation.
Meanwhile, the Senate has mandated the NCAA to strengthen compliance and carry out routine safety audits across airports.
It also directed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to rehabilitate runways, improve airfield lighting, and upgrade navigational aids, beginning with the Port Harcourt International Airport.
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