Safety Breach: NCAA Suspends ValueJet's Pilots

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the licences of two ValueJet's pilots, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First officer Ivan Oloba with immediate effect.  

The suspension followed reports received by NCAA concerning a serious breach of aviation safety protocols by the ValueJet's pilots 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. The NCAA views this incident with utmost seriousness.

In a statement released today and signed by Michael Achimugu, its Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA said that the pilots' reckless action endangered the safety of ground personnel and other airport users, contravening established civil aviation regulations and international safety standards.

Consequently, the Authority has taken immediate enforcement action by suspending the licences of the pilots and co-pilot, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First officer Ivan Oloba with immediate effect.

Reassuring the travelling public and other stakeholders of its commitment to safety, NCAA said that the suspension will remain in place pending the conclusion of a full investigation into the incident.