The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended two pilots for breaching aviation safety protocols.
The pilots, who are staff of ValueJet, were suspended on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, for violating regulations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Michael Achimugu, the director of public affairs and consumer protection said the pilots – Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba – initiated departure protocol without obtaining the mandatory pre-departure clearance from the control tower.
Describing the pilots’ action as reckless, Achimugu said they violated both the Nigerian civil aviation regulations and international safety standards.
“The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirms that it has received reports concerning a serious breach of aviation safety protocols by a ValueJet pilot 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.
“This reckless action endangered the safety of ground personnel and other airport users, contravening established civil aviation regulations and international safety standards,” Achimugu said.
Also stating that the suspension of their licences remains in place with immediate effect, the NCAA has commenced a full investigation into the matter.
“The authority hereby reaffirms all stakeholders of its commitment to safety,” he added.