Aviation Safety: NCAA suspends ValueJet pilots’ licences over serious infractions

*The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority suspends with immediate effect the licences of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba of ValuJet for their ‘reckless’ breach of global standard safety protocols at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

For an alleged ‘reckless’ breach of global standard safety protocols at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, FCT, recently, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended two ValueJet pilots with immediate effect.

The NCAA Tuesday, August 5, 2025, said the aviation sector regulatory agency took the decision after preliminary findings indicated that Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba began departure procedures from the domestic terminal’s designated bay without obtaining the required pre-departure clearance at the airport.

The Authority described the two affected pilots’ action as “reckless,” just as it posed a serious risk to the ground personnel and other airport users.

According to NCAA, the incident, which violated both national aviation regulations and international safety standards, has been met with swift disciplinary action.

The Authority disclosed it suspended the licences of both pilots, pending the outcome of a full-scale investigation into the infraction at the NAIA.

Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, also noted inna statement: “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 stated: “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.”

The NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection also said: “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.”

Meanwhile, the country’s aviation regulator has restated its commitment to upholding safety across all Nigerian airports.

The Authority further aviation assured stakeholders, that further steps would be taken after an investigation into the matter.