Some of our pilots smoke Indian hemp, says Orji Kalu

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.