Senator Raises Alarm Over Drug Use Among Pilots, Demands Urgent Investigation

By Diafa Doubra,

A Nigerian lawmaker, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has raised serious concerns over reports that some commercial pilots in the country allegedly smoke Indian hemp and engage in drug abuse before operating flights. The senator made the revelation during a plenary session on Wednesday, calling on aviation regulators to take immediate action to protect passengers’ safety.

Kalu, a former governor and current senator representing Abia North, expressed shock that such risky behavior could occur in the nation’s aviation industry. He warned that the situation, if left unchecked, could lead to preventable air disasters. “It is alarming to hear that some of our pilots may be flying under the influence of drugs. This is not only dangerous but a national embarrassment,” he stated.

In response, the Senate directed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to jointly investigate the allegations. Lawmakers also urged the Ministry of Aviation to conduct random drug tests on pilots, engineers, and crew members to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Aviation experts have since backed the Senate’s call, saying Nigeria’s aviation sector must prioritize strict enforcement of health and safety rules to maintain international credibility.