The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended two pilots working with ValueJet for what it described as a serious violation of aviation safety protocols at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
According to the NCAA, the pilots—Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba—were found to have initiated departure procedures without obtaining the mandatory pre-departure clearance. Their licenses have been withdrawn pending the outcome of a full investigation.
Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, confirmed the suspension in a statement issued late Tuesday. He noted that the incident was initially reported by the pilots themselves.
A 23-second video posted on the NCAA’s official X (formerly Twitter) page showed the aircraft, a CRJ-900ER with registration number 5N-BXS, taxiing from its bay while ground personnel were still nearby. In the footage, some workers were seen scrambling to get out of the aircraft’s path, suggesting that proper departure clearance had not been given.
The NCAA described the pilots’ actions as “reckless,” saying they endangered the safety of airport staff and other users. The agency added that the incident violated both local aviation regulations and international safety standards.
“The Authority has taken immediate enforcement action by suspending the licences of the pilot and co-pilot,” the statement read. “This suspension will remain in effect pending the conclusion of a full investigation into the incident.”
The NCAA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the highest standards of aviation safety across the country.
