By Temitope Adelakun, JKNewsMedia Reporter
THE NIGERIA Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the licences of two ValueJet pilots following what it described as a serious breach of aviation safety protocols at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday, 5 August 2025.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, the Authority confirmed receiving reports that the aircraft’s captain, identified as Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, commenced departure procedures from the designated bay without obtaining the mandatory pre-departure clearance.
His co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba, was also named in the suspension order.
According to the NCAA, preliminary findings indicate that the action endangered the safety of ground personnel and other airport users, in violation of civil aviation regulations and international safety standards.
Video footage shared by the Authority shows about five officials positioned in front of the aircraft moving away as the pilot-initiated departure.
“The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority views this incident with utmost seriousness.
The suspension is with immediate effect and will remain in place pending the conclusion of a full investigation into the incident,” the statement read.
The regulatory body said its swift enforcement action is consistent with its mandate to uphold the highest standards of air safety and protect all stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
It reaffirmed its commitment to taking necessary measures against any operator or crew found to have compromised safety.
ValueJet has not issued a public statement regarding the incident at the time of this report.
