Nigeria, Oct. 16 -- Abia North Senator, Orji Kalu, on Wednesday, alleged that some pilots flying aircraft in Nigeria smoke Indian hemp and get 'high' before operating flights.

He said this was one of the major reasons many planes run off the runway while landing.

Mr Kalu, who once owned the now-defunct SLOK Airlines, made the claim during plenary as senators debated a motion on the need to strengthen aviation safety in Nigeria.

The motion was sponsored by the Oyo North senator, Buhari Abdulfatai.

Mr Kalu, a former Abia State governor, criticised aviation regulatory agencies for allegedly failing to properly monitor pilots, claiming that poor oversight had led to unsafe practices.

"I feel that the authorities guiding these pilots, som...