The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has grounded two ValueJet pilots following a serious violation of aviation safety rules at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
In a statement issued by Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, the NCAA revealed that on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, the pilot initiated departure procedures from the assigned bay without securing the mandatory pre-departure clearance.
Labeling the act as a grave breach of protocol, the Authority confirmed the immediate suspension of the licenses of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba.
“This reckless move jeopardized the safety of ground staff and other airport users,” the agency stated, citing violations of national regulations and international safety standards.
The suspensions remain in effect pending the completion of a full investigation into the incident.
