The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended two ValueJet pilots over a serious violation of safety protocols at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the incident took place at the airport’s domestic terminal on Friday, August 5, 2025.
“Preliminary information raised, indicated that the pilot concerned commenced flight departure from the designated bay without undertaking his pre-departure clearance”, it added.
The NCAA described the pilots’ actions as “reckless,” stating that they endangered the lives of airport ground personnel and other users of the facility.
The authority noted that the incident violated both national aviation regulations and international safety standards.
As a result, the licences of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba have been suspended.
“This suspension is immediate and will remain in place pending the outcome of a full and thorough investigation,” the NCAA stated.
The regulatory body concluded by reaffirming its commitment to aviation safety and assured stakeholders of its continued dedication to maintaining a safe and secure aviation environment in Nigeria.
