Senator Orji Kalu alleges some Nigerian pilots smoke Indian hemp before flights, raising serious aviation safety concerns.
Former Abia State Governor and current Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, has made a startling revelation concerning the aviation sector in Nigeria. Speaking on Wednesday, the lawmaker alleged that some Nigerian pilots operate aircraft under the influence of Indian hemp, raising serious concerns about passenger safety and flight operations.
According to Kalu, he has on several occasions refused to board flights after observing the poor preparation and questionable behavior of certain pilots. He claimed that some of them not only lack adequate readiness but also indulge in smoking Indian hemp before taking control of aircraft.
“I’ve on many occasions stopped to fly because of the inadequacy of the pilots’ preparation. Some of the pilots are not prepared. Some of them use Indian hemp. Yes, it’s true. Some of them smoke Indian hemp,” Kalu stated.
His comments have since sparked debate among aviation stakeholders and the general public, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the claims. Industry observers emphasize that aviation safety must remain a top priority and that stringent drug testing measures should be enforced for all flight crew members.
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While the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is yet to officially respond to the allegations, Kalu’s statement has reignited discussions on the need for improved oversight and psychological evaluation of pilots in the country’s aviation sector.