NCAA SUSPENDS VALUEJET PILOTS OVER ABUJA AIRPORT SAFETY VIOLATION

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended two ValueJet pilots following a serious safety violation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

In a statement released on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, confirmed that the incident involved a ValueJet pilot who initiated takeoff procedures without securing the necessary pre-departure clearance.

The statement described the act as “reckless,” noting that it posed a significant risk to ground staff and other airport users and breached both local aviation rules and international safety standards.

As a result, the NCAA has suspended the licenses of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba with immediate effect. The suspension will remain in place while a comprehensive investigation is conducted.

The Authority emphasized its zero-tolerance stance on safety violations and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring strict adherence to aviation safety regulations.