Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has alleged that some Nigerian pilots operate under the influence of Indian hemp and are not properly supervised by aviation authorities.
Kalu made the claim on Wednesday, October 15, during Senate plenary while supporting a motion on aviation safety following the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau’s report on the Air Peace runway incident at the Port Harcourt International Airport.
The senator, who seconded the motion moved by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, said some pilots are careless and poorly monitored. He also criticised the poor state of some runways and the failure of agencies to perform their duties effectively.
Reacting to Kalu’s statement, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) denied the allegation, insisting that pilots in Nigeria undergo strict medical and professional evaluations before certification.
In a statement signed by its Director-General, Chris Najomo, the NCAA said it maintains a rigorous and internationally recognised process for assessing pilots’ fitness, including tests for cardiovascular health, neurological stability, and substance use.
The agency added that medical certificates for pilots are issued only after thorough evaluations and must be renewed every six months for those above 40 and annually for younger pilots.
The NCAA described Kalu’s comments as inaccurate and reaffirmed that pilot regulation in Nigeria meets global aviation safety standards.
