Senator Orji Uzor Kalu Alleges Some Nigerian Pilots Smoke Indian H+mp Before Flights, Calls for Urgent Regulatory Action

Former Abia State governor and Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, has sparked concern over alleged dr¥g use among Nigerian pilots, claiming that some sm%ke Indian hemp before flying passengers.

Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary session, Kalu urged aviation regulators to take immediate action to safeguard travelers, accusing agencies of negligence and p++r oversight.
“The agencies overseeing these pilots are not doing enough. I’ve personally refused to board a flight because the pilot didn’t seem normal. Some of them sm%ke Indian h+mp yes, it’s true,” he said.

He faulted aviation authorities such as the NCAA and NEMA for failing to conduct proper medical and dr¥g assessments. “Pilots walk into the cockpit without anyone checking their bl++d pressure or dr¥g level. There’s no on-the-spot testing. It’s dang+rous,” he warned.

Kalu recounted once stopping a flight over concerns about a pilot’s condition and urged the Minister of Aviation to step up supervision. “Some take Indian hemp like cigar+ttes. If you go close, you can smell it,” he alleged.

His remarks come weeks after the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) reportedly said two Air Peace pilots tested positive for alc+hol and cann@bis following a July 2025 runway incident at Port Harcourt International Airport.

Air Peace, however, dismissed the claim, saying no crew member tested positive and that the airline enforces a zero-tolerance policy on substance use. “Our crew were tested within an hour, and all results were negative,” the airline stated.

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