The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has grounded two pilots of ValueJet airline for serious breach of safety procedures at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
In a statement released by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, the NCAA, said the incident occurred at the Domestic terminal of the airport on Friday, 5th of August, 2025.
“Preliminary information raised, indicated that the pilot concerned commenced flight departure from the designated bay without undertaking his pre-departure clearance”, it added.
NCAA described the actions of the pilot as ‘reckless’ because it placed harm upon the lives of the airport’s ground personnel and all other users of the airport.
According to the authority, the activity contravened the national regulations of aviation and international safety standards.
NCAA has suspended the licences of the pilot, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and co-pilot, First Officer, Ivan Oloba.
“This suspension is immediate pending the successful and full investigation of the incident,” NCAA said.
The regulatory body conclude by reaffirming its commitment to aviation safety, and assured stakeholders that it remains committed to safe and secure aviation in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
