Agbese Faults Orji Kalu’s Comment On Nigerian Pilots

The deputy spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has urged Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to retract his recent comments 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 (NSIB) report on the Air Peace runway incident in Port Harcourt.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Thursday evening, Agbese said while the National Assembly must take aviation safety seriously, it is important that public officials avoid statements that could unfairly undermine the integrity of professionals in the sector.

Some Nigerian Pilots Fly While ‘High’ On Indian Hemp, Orji Kalu Alleges

Agbese said such remarks could cast an undeserved shadow over hardworking Nigerian pilots, many of whom 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 emphasised that many young Nigerians have chosen to remain in the country and contribute to national development rather than seeking greener pastures abroad, noting that such patriotism deserves encouragement, not condemnation.

“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 commended the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development under 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.

The lawmaker said Kalu’s statement, though possibly made in good faith, was unfortunate and capable of demoralising a sector that demands 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,” he said.

Agbese reaffirmed the House of Representatives’ commitment to supporting policies that promote aviation safety, workforce training, and infrastructure upgrades.

“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,” Agbese said.

“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.”