EXTRA: Some of our pilots smoke Indian hemp, says Orji Kalu

Orji Kalu, senator representing Abia north, says some pilots operating in Nigeria’s aviation industry smoke Indian hemp.

Scientifically called Apocynum cannabinum, Indian hemp is a type of weed taken for its inebriating, euphoric, and buzzing effect.

BACKGROUND

Kalu spoke during plenary on Wednesday in support of a motion that raised safety concerns following the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau’s (NSIB) report on the Air Peace runway incident at the Port Harcourt International Airport.

On July 13, a Lagos-Port Harcourt Air Peace flight P47190 skidded off the runway upon landing.

Moving the motion, Abdulfatai Buhari, senator representing Oyo north and chairman of the senate committee on aviation, said the incident involving an Air Peace Boeing 737-500 occurred on June 22, 2025.

Buhari said while no life was lost, the event exposed “critical gaps in safety standards, infrastructure management, and operational compliance” within Nigeria’s aviation sector.

The senator expressed concern that the country has recorded an increase in runway-related incidents and operational challenges that could undermine public confidence in air travel.

The lawmaker said the NSIB report identified deficiencies in runway conditions, airfield lighting, pilot decision-making, and regulatory oversight, calling for immediate corrective measures.

He underscored the significance of aviation safety to national security, economic growth, and Nigeria’s reputation as an emerging African air transport hub.

‘AVIATION AUTHORITIES LOUSY’

Seconding the motion, Kalu said some pilots are “careless and not properly supervised” by the authorities.

“The authorities guiding these pilots, some of them are very lousy. Some of the pilots are not prepared,” Kalu said.

“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.”

Danjuma Goje, senator representing Gombe central, said the aviation committee must conduct a proper oversight of the sector.

“The important thing is for the committee to do their oversight properly. Beyond urging this senate to grant these prayers, the committee must sit up. You don’t joke with aviation. Any small mistake leads to loss of life,” Goje said.

He also urged the ministry of aviation to construct another runway for the Abuja airport.

Barau Jibrin, deputy senate president, who presided over the session, urged the committee to carry out a thorough investigation, saying aviation is critical to the nation’s economy.

The senate, therefore, resolved to ask the federal ministry of aviation, in collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), to urgently implement the recommendations in the NSIB report.

The red chamber also asked the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to strengthen compliance monitoring, conduct routine audits of airport facilities, and enforce adherence to international safety standards.

The senate further directed FAAN to prioritise the rehabilitation of runways, install modern navigational aids, and provide airfield lighting across airports — beginning with the Port Harcourt International Airport.

It mandated the committee on aviation to engage stakeholders — including NSIB, NCAA, FAAN, NAMA, and airline operators — to ensure full implementation of the safety recommendations and report back within six weeks.

An additional prayer was adopted for the aviation committee to investigate aviation agencies and report back in four weeks, and for the ministry of aviation to expedite the construction of a second runway for the Abuja airport.

The lawmakers commended the NSIB for promptly releasing its investigative report, describing it as a step towards promoting transparency and accountability in the aviation sector.