Withdraw drug abuse remark on pilots, lawmaker tells Kalu

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has called on Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to retract his recent remarks suggesting that some pilots operating in Nigeria use Indian hemp.

Kalu, a former governor of Abia State,made the comment during Wednesday’s plenary while contributing to a motion on aviation safety in response to a Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau report on the Air Peace runway incident in Port Harcourt.

In response to the senator’s claims, the NCAA, in a statement on Thursday, signed by its Director General, Chris Najomo,debunked his claim saying his stance was inadequate.

In a Friday statement, Agbese while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Thursday evening, stressed that while the National Assembly must take aviation safety seriously, public officials should refrain from making statements that could unfairly undermine the integrity of professionals in the sector.

Agbese warned that such comments could cast an undeserved shadow over hardworking Nigerian pilots, many of whom, he said, have earned global recognition for their competence, discipline, and commitment to safety.

“Our pilots are some of the most competent and disciplined professionals you can find anywhere in the world.

“They undergo rigorous training, regular health and safety checks, and certification processes that meet global aviation standards. Nigeria’s airspace remains one of the safest in Africa,” Agbese said.

He added that many young Nigerians have chosen to remain in the country to contribute to national development rather than seeking greener pastures abroad — a level of patriotism that should be celebrated, not condemned.

“Instead of discouraging our young citizens who are giving their best to this country, we should celebrate their excellence. Some of the best pilots in the world are Nigerians — not only flying for our domestic airlines but also for leading carriers across Europe, the Middle East, and North America,” the lawmaker said

Agbese also commended the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, led by Festus Keyamo (SAN), for maintaining high safety standards and ensuring that all agencies under its supervision perform their statutory duties effectively.

“The aviation ministry under Festus Keyamo (SAN) has shown consistency in promoting safety, accountability, and inter-agency coordination. All the agencies including FAAN, NCAA, NAMA, and NSIB are doing commendable work to ensure that every aspect of air travel in Nigeria meets global expectations,” Agbese observed.

He described Kalu’s statement as unfortunate and capable of demoralising a sector that thrives on public confidence and international trust.

“Distinguished Senator Kalu should retract that statement and offer an apology to our aviation professionals. These are men and women who have built careers through discipline and integrity. We must be careful not to damage their reputation with sweeping claims that cannot be substantiated,” Agbese said.

Reaffirming the House’s commitment to supporting policies that promote aviation safety, workforce training, and infrastructure upgrades, Agbese noted that lawmakers must pair oversight with respect.

It is natural for parliamentarians to demand better oversight and accountability in any sector, but our language must also inspire trust. The aviation industry thrives on public confidence, and our professionals have continued to justify that trust with diligence and skill.

“Our collective goal is to build a sector that continues to attract global respect. Nigeria’s pilots, engineers, and aviation workers are doing the country proud every day, and we must keep encouraging them to do even more,” he said.

earlier also report that the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers had warned Kalu, demanding that he either provide verifiable evidence to support his claims that Nigerian pilots operate aircraft while under the influence of Indian hemp or issue an immediate public retraction and apology.