Pilots Demand Evidence as Kalu Faces Backlash Over Marijuana Allegation

The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has strongly condemned Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s recent claim that some Nigerian pilots operate aircraft under the influence of marijuana, describing the statement as baseless and damaging to the reputation of aviation professionals in the country.

In a statement issued on Friday by its Public Relations Officer, Engr. Blessing Ahmadu, NAAPE denounced Kalu’s allegation as “a malicious attack” on the integrity and professionalism of pilots and engineers, and called on the senator to either provide credible evidence to support his claim or issue an immediate public apology.

Kalu, while speaking on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday, alleged that “some Nigerian pilots smoke Indian hemp and operate aircraft while under the influence of drugs.”

Responding to this, NAAPE President, Capt. Bunmi Gindeh, said the statement was false and dangerous, warning that such comments could erode public confidence in the safety of Nigeria’s aviation system.

> “We challenge Senator Kalu to substantiate his allegation with verifiable evidence and submit it to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) or the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB),” Gindeh said. “Otherwise, he should withdraw the statement and tender an unreserved apology to Nigerian aviators.”



Gindeh emphasised that aviation safety remained the highest priority for all members of the association, noting that every licensed pilot in Nigeria operates under strict medical, ethical, and regulatory standards as required by the NCAA and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

He added that Nigerian pilots undergo regular and random drug and alcohol tests as part of their medical certification, along with recurrent simulator training, pre-flight medical checks, and continuous regulatory monitoring.

> “Our industry has multiple safety layers, and any breach is swiftly addressed through disciplinary and regulatory measures,” he said. “Nigeria’s air transport sector remains one of the safest in Africa, sustained by adherence to global best practices and continuous professional development.”



While acknowledging Kalu’s right to comment on aviation matters, NAAPE urged public figures to avoid making unverified statements that could cause unnecessary panic among passengers and undermine the morale of aviation professionals.

> “It is unacceptable to make sweeping, unsubstantiated claims against an entire professional community,” the statement read. “Those who make such allegations must either present evidence or withdraw their words with a public apology.”



NAAPE further invited Senator Kalu and members of the Senate Committee on Aviation to engage with the association to gain a deeper understanding of the country’s rigorous pilot training, certification, and safety oversight framework.

> “For too long, people outside the industry have spoken as if they understand its operations,” Gindeh added. “We expected better from a former airline operator like Senator Kalu.”



The association reaffirmed its confidence in the NCAA and other aviation regulatory bodies for maintaining Nigeria’s strong safety record and upholding international aviation standards.