Former Abia State governor and Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, has raised concerns over alleged drug use among Nigerian pilots, claiming that some smoke Indian hemp before flying passengers.

Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary session, Kalu urged aviation regulators to take immediate action to safeguard travellers, accusing agencies of negligence and poor 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 smoke Indian hemp yes, it’s true,” he said.

He criticised aviation authorities such as the NCAA and NEMA for failing to carry out adequate medical and drug assessments. “Pilots walk into the cockpit without anyone checking their blood pressure or drug level. There’s no on-the-spot testing. It’s dangerous,” he warned.

Kalu recalled once stopping a flight over concerns about a pilot’s condition and urged the Minister of Aviation to strengthen oversight. “Some take Indian hemp like cigarettes. If you go close, you can smell it,” he alleged.

His remarks come weeks after the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) reportedly stated that two Air Peace pilots tested positive for alcohol and cannabis 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.