NCAA grounds valueJet pilots over safety violation at Abuja airport
NCAA
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has grounded two pilots of ValueJet airline over a serious breach of safety procedures at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
In a statement issued by the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, the incident occurred on Friday, August 5, 2025, at the airport’s domestic terminal.
According to preliminary findings, the pilot in question commenced departure from the designated bay without obtaining the mandatory pre-departure clearance—a move NCAA described as “reckless” and dangerous to both ground personnel and other airport users.
The regulatory body stressed that the pilots’ actions violated both national aviation regulations and international safety standards.
As a result, the licenses of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba have been suspended with immediate effect, pending the outcome of a full investigation.
“This suspension is immediate pending the successful and full investigation of the incident,” the statement read.
The NCAA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring strict compliance with aviation safety protocols, assuring stakeholders of its dedication to a safe and secure airspace in Nigeria.
