ABUJA, Nigeria — Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, has raised alarm over alleged drug use among some Nigerian pilots, claiming that a number of them smoke Indian hemp and operate flights without adequate supervision.
Kalu made the statement during plenary on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, while contributing to a motion on aviation safety, following the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau’s (NSIB) report on the Air Peace runway incident at the Port Harcourt International Airport.
On Sunday, July 13, 2025, a Lagos–Port Harcourt Air Peace flight P47190 skidded off the runway upon landing.
The NSIB report, which investigated the June 22, 2025 incident, identified deficiencies in runway conditions, airfield lighting, pilot decision-making, and regulatory oversight.
The motion, moved by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari of Oyo North and chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, called attention to “critical gaps in safety standards, infrastructure management, and operational compliance” within Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Buhari noted that while no lives were lost, the frequency of runway incidents posed a threat to public confidence in air travel and national security.
Supporting the motion, Kalu expressed concern over what he described as the lax attitude of aviation regulators and the recklessness of some flight crew.
“The authorities guiding these pilots — some of them are very lousy,” Kalu said.
“Some of the pilots are not prepared. Some of them smoke Indian hemp and some of them are not properly audited by the authorities. They are not doing it.
“Most of these pilots are so careless. All these agencies must look after these pilots and cabin staff. Some of the NCAA must come back to their duty. Also, some of the runways are not in good shape.”
Kalu’s remarks drew attention to the state of regulatory oversight by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other agencies, prompting renewed calls for strict enforcement of aviation safety standards.
Senator Danjuma Goje of Gombe Central stressed the need for the Senate Aviation Committee to conduct a comprehensive review of the sector.
“The important thing is for the committee to do their oversight properly,” he said.
“You don’t joke with aviation. Any small mistake leads to loss of life.”
Goje also urged the Ministry of Aviation to expedite the construction of a second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to reduce congestion and enhance safety.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, directed the aviation committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations and to ensure the full implementation of the NSIB’s recommendations.
The upper chamber resolved to:
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Urge the Federal Ministry of Aviation and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to implement the NSIB’s safety recommendations urgently;
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Direct the NCAA to strengthen compliance monitoring, conduct regular audits of airport facilities, and enforce adherence to international aviation safety standards;
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Mandate FAAN to prioritise runway rehabilitation, upgrade navigational aids, and install airfield lighting — beginning with the Port Harcourt International Airport;
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Instruct the Aviation Committee to engage stakeholders including the NSIB, NCAA, FAAN, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and airline operators, and to submit a report within six weeks;
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Commission a separate investigation into aviation agencies and report findings within four weeks.
Lawmakers commended the NSIB for promptly releasing its report, describing it as a crucial step toward transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
