As a veteran journalist who has reported extensively on Nigeria’s aviation industry for over two decades, I find the recent statement by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu alleging that ‘some Nigerian pilots smoke Indian hemp and are unfit to fly’ to be reckless, ill-considered, and gravely damaging.
For a supposedly distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic — and a once-upon-a-time failed airline promoter, to make such a sweeping allegation on the floor of the National Assembly, without a shred of verifiable data, empirical research, or regulatory validation, is both irresponsible and injurious to the image of the Nigerian aviation sector.
An unjustified insult to Nigerian pilots
Nigeria’s pilots are among the most disciplined, rigorously trained, and internationally certified professionals. They operate under strict medical, psychological, and performance standards monitored by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in accordance with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) and Nig.CARs (Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations).
To describe such individuals as ‘drug users’ is an unprovoked attack on their integrity and professionalism. These are men and women whose expertise and dedication keep millions of passengers safe every year.
A threat to public confidence and airline stability
Kalu’s careless comments carry consequences far beyond rhetoric.
They risk eroding passengers’ confidence in the safety of Nigerian carriers and undermining the credibility of our domestic operators before global partners, insurers, and financiers.
Aviation thrives on public trust and perception. Statements of this nature could artificially inflate insurance premiums, trigger international safety concerns, and jeopardize investments in a sector already navigating tight operational margins.
A misplaced indictment on the NCAA
The Senator’s assertion that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has failed in its oversight responsibilities is both false and unfair.
The NCAA has consistently maintained Nigeria’s FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Category 1 safety rating, conducts routine medical assessments, on-the-spot drug tests, and continuous monitoring of all licensed flight crew in the country. These are verifiable, audited processes that reflect regulatory diligence — not negligence.
Words have consequences
Elected officials must recognise the power and weight of their words, especially on the floor of the Senate. Aviation is a globally monitored industry — one of Nigeria’s few sectors that consistently meet international standards despite infrastructural challenges.
To malign it casually, without facts or context, is to sabotage national credibility and devalue the hard work of thousands of Nigerians committed to maintaining flight safety and operational excellence.
A call for responsibility
If Kalu possesses credible evidence regarding pilot misconduct or regulatory failure, the honourable course of action would be to submit such information to the appropriate authorities — not to broadcast unverified allegations capable of damaging public confidence, investment, and national reputation.
Nigeria’s aviation professionals deserve respect, not ridicule. They deserve recognition, not reckless condemnation. And above all, they deserve truth, not political grandstanding.
Fadairo is an aviation journalist and publisher of Arrival magazine, Lagos, Nigeria
