Aviation Authority Suspends ValueJet Crew Licences for Violating Safety Procedures

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced the immediate suspension of two ValueJet crew members over a serious safety violation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, confirmed that the licences of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba have been suspended pending the outcome of a full investigation.

According to the aviation regulator, the crew members breached standard safety protocols by initiating departure procedures without obtaining mandatory pre-departure clearance.

“The 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,” the statement read.

“Preliminary information indicates that the pilot in question commenced departure procedures from the designated bay without adhering to the mandatory pre-departure clearance protocols.”

The NCAA stressed that the incident is being treated with the utmost seriousness, as it reflects directly on passenger safety and aviation standards in the country.

ValueJet is yet to issue an official response as of the time of this report.

The suspension remains in place while investigations continue, and the NCAA has reiterated its commitment to enforcing strict compliance with aviation safety regulations.