The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the licences of two pilots of ValueJet over alleged safety breaches.
The aviation industry regulatory authority, in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, alleged that the pilots commenced departure procedures from the designated bay at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Tuesday, without adhering to the mandatory pre-departure clearance protocols.
The statement reads: “The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirms that it has received reports concerning a serious breach of aviation safety protocols by a ValueJet pilot at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja (Domestic Terminal) on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.
“Preliminary information indicates that the pilot in question commenced departure procedures from the designated bay without adhering to the mandatory pre-departure clearance protocols.
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“This reckless action endangered the safety of ground personnel and other airport users, contravening established civil aviation regulations and international safety standards.
“The NCAA views this incident with utmost seriousness. Consequently, the Authority has taken immediate enforcement action by suspending the licences of the pilot, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co- pilot, First officer Ivan Oloba, with immediate effect.
“This suspension will remain in place pending the conclusion of a full investigation into the incident. The Authority hereby reaffirms all stakeholders of its commitment to safety”, it added.
