The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended two ValueJet pilots following a serious breach of aviation safety protocols at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, when the pilot initiated departure procedures without obtaining the mandatory pre-departure clearance from the control tower.
The NCAA described the action as reckless and a violation of both Nigerian civil aviation regulations and international safety standards, which endangered ground personnel and other airport users at the domestic terminal.
As a result, the licences of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba have been suspended with immediate effect, pending the outcome of a comprehensive investigation.
The NCAA views this incident with utmost seriousness and reaffirms its commitment to safety.
The authority’s swift action underscores its dedication to enforcing strict adherence to safety protocols in the aviation industry.