The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended two pilots in the services of local carrier, ValueJet.
The suspension of the lincenses of the two pilots identified as Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer, Ivan Oloba followed what the NCAA described as “breach of safety protocol” by the two pilots who initiated a take-off roll at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja without approval from airport ground crew.
A trending social media video shows the moment the pilots initiated a take-off role while the ground crew were still around the aircraft, a personnel is seen ducking to dodge being his by the aircraft.
In a statement signed by its Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the, Michael Achimugu on Tuesday, the NCAA said that the suspension takes immediate effect.
Part of the statement reads:
“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.
The NCAA views this incident with utmost seriousness.
“Consequently, the Authority has taken immediate enforcement action by suspending the licences of the pilot, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co- pilot, First officer Ivan Oloba with immediate effect.
“This suspension will remain in place pending the conclusion of a full investigation into the incident.
“The Authority hereby reaffirms all stakeholders of its commitment to safety.
Reacting to the decision of the NCAA, Valujet management in a statement admitted the gravity of the conduct of the two pilots saying, “We acknowledge the seriousness of this incident.” The airline pledged cooperate with the NCAA in its investigations.
According to the airline’s statement, “ValueJet is aware of the incident that occurred on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, involving one of our aircraft departing from the designated bay.
“We acknowledge the seriousness of this incident and are fully cooperating with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in their ongoing investigation. The crew involved were removed immediately from active duty, pending the outcome of a thorough internal review and investigation that has commenced to understand the root cause and prevent any recurrence.
“At ValueJet, safety is not negotiable. We operate under strict adherence to regulatory procedures and international safety standards, and we remain committed to accountability and improvement across all levels of our operations.
“We appreciate the NCAA’s swift response and will continue to work closely with the Authority to uphold the integrity of Nigerian aviation sector.
Valujet is a fast rising local carrier airline based in Lagos operates a fleet of four Bombardier CRJ900 and CRJ700 aircrafts. The airline recently made headlines as it flew the victorious Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Falcons from Rabat, Morocco, after their record 10th time win of the Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament.
