By Huldah Shado
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended a ValueJet pilot and co-pilot for violating safety protocols at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the domestic terminal, according to NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu.
Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba allegedly initiated departure without obtaining the mandatory pre-departure clearance from the designated bay.
Describing the act as reckless, the NCAA said it endangered ground personnel and other airport users. The pilots’ licenses were suspended with immediate effect.
The authority said the breach contravened both national regulations and international aviation safety standards, stressing that the action reinforces its zero tolerance for violations that threaten air travel safety.
