NCAA suspends ValueJet pilots over safety breach
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended two pilots of ValueJet over a breach of aviation safety protocols at the domestic terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, Mr. Michael Achimugu, preliminary findings revealed that the pilot commenced departure procedures from the designated bay without securing the mandatory pre-departure clearance.
Achimugu described the act as reckless and dangerous, stating that it endangered the safety of ground personnel and other airport users, while also violating 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 licenses of the pilot, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba, with immediate effect,” the statement read.
The suspension, according to Achimugu, will remain in place pending the conclusion of a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
He emphasised that the NCAA remains fully committed to upholding the highest safety standards and reassured all stakeholders of the Authority’s resolve to ensure the safety of Nigeria’s airspace.
