Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, stirred controversy on Wednesday after alleging that some pilots operating in Nigeria’s aviation industry smoke Indian hemp and are inadequately supervised by regulatory authorities.
Kalu made the claim during Senate plenary while contributing to a motion on aviation safety concerns, following the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) report on the June 22, 2025 Air Peace runway incident at the Port Harcourt International Airport.
The motion, sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, highlighted safety lapses revealed by the NSIB’s investigation into the Air Peace Boeing 737-500 (Flight P47190), which skidded off the runway while landing.
Buhari noted that although no lives were lost, the incident exposed “critical gaps in safety standards, infrastructure management, and operational compliance” within the aviation sector. He warned that such lapses could undermine public trust in Nigeria’s air travel system.
“The aviation sector is too vital to our national security and economic growth to be left to chance,” Buhari said, urging swift action to address the findings.
During his contribution, Senator Kalu accused some pilots of being “careless” and “unfit to operate aircraft,” alleging that some indulge in hard drug use and are not properly audited by the authorities.
“Some of the pilots smoke Indian hemp, and some of them are not properly audited by the authorities,” Kalu said. “Most of these pilots are so careless. All the aviation agencies must look after the pilots and cabin staff. The NCAA must return to its duty, and some runways are not in good shape.”
Senator Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central) supported the motion, calling for tighter legislative oversight of the aviation sector.
“The important thing is for the committee to do its oversight properly. Aviation is not something to joke with—any small mistake can lead to loss of life,” Goje warned, also urging the construction of an additional runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Presiding over the session, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin described aviation as “critical to the nation’s economy” and directed the Senate Committee on Aviation to conduct a thorough investigation into safety and regulatory practices.
Following deliberations, the Senate resolved to:
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Urge the Federal Ministry of Aviation and FAAN to urgently implement the NSIB’s recommendations.
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Direct the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to strengthen compliance monitoring, conduct regular audits, and enforce international safety standards.
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Mandate FAAN to rehabilitate runways, upgrade navigational aids, and improve airfield lighting, starting with Port Harcourt International Airport.
Additionally, the committee was tasked with engaging key stakeholders—including NSIB, NCAA, FAAN, NAMA, and airline operators—to ensure full implementation of safety recommendations and report back to the Senate within six weeks.
Lawmakers also commended the NSIB for promptly releasing its report, describing it as a positive step toward transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s aviation industry.