In a swift and decisive move to uphold aviation safety standards, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the licenses of two ValueJet pilots—Captain Oluranti Ogovi and First Officer Ivan Oloba—over a grave breach of airport safety protocols at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The incident, which occurred on August 5, 2025, at the airport’s domestic terminal, sent shockwaves through the aviation industry after a preliminary investigation revealed that the pilots initiated departure procedures without securing the mandatory pre-departure clearance. This reckless action not only violated standard operational guidelines but also posed a serious threat to ground personnel, airport operations, and the safety of other aircraft.
According to the NCAA, the premature movement of the aircraft created a high-risk scenario that could have resulted in catastrophic consequences had it not been swiftly managed by alert ground control.
“The safety of passengers, crew, and airport personnel is our top priority,” the regulatory body said in an official statement. “The suspension of both pilots will remain in effect pending the outcome of a full-scale investigation to determine the root cause of the lapse and recommend appropriate sanctions or reforms.”
The NCAA emphasized that such infractions will not be tolerated, especially in an era where Nigeria’s aviation industry is striving to maintain international standards and regain global trust.
ValueJet is yet to issue an official response, but industry stakeholders have lauded the NCAA’s proactive stance, urging airlines to enforce stricter compliance among crew members to avert future occurrences.
As the investigation continues, all eyes remain on the regulatory agency and the outcome of the disciplinary measures, which could set a precedent for accountability in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
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