Orji Kalu
Adeola Fadairo, a renowned aviation journalist and publisher of ARRIVAL Magazine, has condemned Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s recent statement alleging that some Nigerian pilots smoke Indian hemp and are unfit to fly.
Fadairo described Kalu’s comments as “reckless, ill-considered, and gravely damaging” to the nation’s aviation reputation.
“For a supposedly Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic—and a once-upon-a-time failed airline promoter, to make such a sweeping allegation on the floor of the National Assembly, without a shred of verifiable data, empirical research, or regulatory validation, is both irresponsible and injurious to the image of the Nigerian aviation sector,” Fadairo said.
He emphasized that Nigerian pilots are “among the most disciplined, rigorously trained, and internationally certified professionals” who operate under strict medical, psychological, and performance standards monitored by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Fadairo noted that Kalu’s comments risk eroding passengers’ confidence in the safety of Nigerian carriers and undermining the credibility of domestic operators before global partners, insurers, and financiers.
“Aviation thrives on public trust and perception. Statements of this nature could artificially inflate insurance premiums, trigger international safety concerns, and jeopardize investments in a sector already navigating tight operational margins,” he warned.
The veteran journalist also defended the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) , saying the authority has consistently maintained Nigeria’s FAA Category 1 safety rating and conducts routine medical assessments, on-the-spot drug tests, and continuous monitoring of all licensed flight crew in the country.
Fadairo urged elected officials to recognize the power and weight of their words, especially on the floor of the Senate.
“If Senator Orji Uzor Kalu possesses credible evidence regarding pilot misconduct or regulatory failure, the honorable course of action would be to submit such information to the appropriate authorities—not to broadcast unverified allegations capable of damaging public confidence, investment, and national reputation,” he said.
Fadairo concluded that Nigeria’s aviation professionals deserve respect, recognition, and truth, not reckless condemnation and political grandstanding.
