Kalu, a former governor of Abia state, made the claim during
Wednesday’s plenary while contributing to a motion on aviation safety.

The motion followed a report by the Nigerian Safety
Investigation Bureau (NSIB) on the Air Peace runway incident in Port Harcourt.

On July 13, a Lagos-Port Harcourt Air Peace flight P47190
skidded off the runway upon landing.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Thursday evening,
Agbese said while it was important to take aviation safety seriously, public
officials must avoid comments that could undermine confidence in the country’s
aviation professionals.

He said such statements are capable of casting an unfair
shadow over hardworking Nigerian pilots who have earned global respect for
their competence and discipline.

“Our pilots are some of the most competent and disciplined
professionals you can find anywhere in the world,” Agbese said.

“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.”

The lawmaker added that many young Nigerians have chosen to
stay and serve their country despite opportunities abroad, saying their
patriotism should be applauded, not disparaged.

“Instead of discouraging our young citizens who are giving
their best to this country, we should celebrate their excellence,” he said.

“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.”

Agbese commended the ministry of aviation and aerospace
development led by Festus Keyamo for upholding safety standards.

“The aviation ministry under Festus Keyamo (SAN) has shown
consistency in promoting safety, accountability, and inter-agency
coordination,” he said.

“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.”

He described Kalu’s statement as unfortunate, saying it
could demoralise a sector that thrives on public trust.

“Distinguished Senator Kalu should retract that statement
and offer an apology to our aviation professionals,” Agbese said.

“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.”

Agbese reaffirmed the house’s commitment to supporting
policies that promote safety, workforce training, and infrastructure in the
aviation sector.

“It is natural for parliamentarians to demand better
oversight and accountability in any sector, but our language must also inspire
trust,” he said.

“The aviation industry thrives on public confidence, and our
professionals have continued to justify that trust with diligence and skill.

“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 everyday, and we must keep encouraging them to do even
more.”