The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has strongly condemned comments by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who alleged that Nigerian pilots and cabin crew members are involved in substance abuse.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Tunde Moshood, and titled “Leadership, Responsibility, and the Recklessness of Words: Setting the Record Straight on Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s Aviation Allegations,” Keyamo described Kalu’s remarks as reckless, baseless, and politically motivated.
The Minister accused the lawmaker of making unverified claims simply to attract media attention, warning that such statements could cause panic among air travellers and undermine confidence in the aviation industry.
“It is one thing to call for higher standards; it is another to make wild claims without a shred of evidence. The Senator is just desperately in need of media attention,” the statement read.
Keyamo stressed that Kalu’s comments were an insult to thousands of aviation professionals who work daily to maintain safety standards and protect passengers.
Defending his leadership and the progress made under his administration, the Minister outlined a number of key reforms implemented in the aviation sector, including:
-
Implementation of the IDERA Framework to strengthen aircraft leasing and financing standards.
-
Negotiation of new Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs) to expand Nigeria’s global aviation partnerships.
-
Consumer Protection Initiatives, such as the launch of a new NCAA digital portal for passenger rights.
-
Major airport infrastructure upgrades, including improvements at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
-
Enhanced regulatory oversight, unifying all aviation agencies under a performance-driven framework.
“These are not the hallmarks of a system plagued by negligence or substance abuse,” Keyamo stated. “They are signs of a sector being rebuilt on integrity and international best practice.”
The Minister urged public figures to exercise restraint and responsibility in their public statements, noting that Nigeria’s aviation sector remains one of the most regulated and safety-conscious industries in Africa.