The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the licences of two ValueJet pilots following a serious breach of aviation safety procedures at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
According to an official statement released by the NCAA, the incident occurred on Tuesday, August 5, when a ValueJet aircraft initiated departure from the domestic terminal without obtaining mandatory clearance from air traffic control (ATC).
The regulatory body described the event as a significant violation of aviation protocols, warning that such actions pose risks to both airport personnel and the flying public.
“This breach endangered the safety of ground personnel and other airport users,” the statement read. “Preliminary findings indicate that the flight crew commenced takeoff procedures without securing the required ATC clearance.”
The crew members involved—Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba—have had their licences suspended with immediate effect pending the conclusion of an ongoing investigation.
Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, confirmed the development, stating, “The Authority has taken decisive action in line with its commitment to uphold the highest safety standards. Such reckless disregard for protocol will not be tolerated.”
Takeoff clearance is a non-negotiable component of flight safety, ensuring the runway is clear for departure and preventing potential collisions or runway incursions.
In response to the incident, ValueJet released a statement on Wednesday, August 6, acknowledging the breach and affirming its cooperation with the NCAA’s investigation.
“We acknowledge the seriousness of this incident and are fully cooperating with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority in their ongoing investigation,” the airline stated.
ValueJet confirmed that the crew involved had been immediately removed from active duty and that a thorough internal review was underway.
“At ValueJet, safety is not negotiable. We operate under strict adherence to regulatory procedures and international safety standards,” the airline said. “We remain committed to accountability and improvement across all levels of our operations.”
The airline also expressed support for the NCAA’s swift action, adding that it remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s aviation safety culture.
“We appreciate the NCAA’s prompt response and will continue to work closely with the Authority to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s aviation sector,” the statement concluded.
The incident has drawn renewed attention to the importance of strict compliance with air traffic protocols, especially at major domestic terminals such as Abuja, which handle high volumes of daily air traffic.
The NCAA has reiterated that any future violations of operational procedures will attract strict regulatory consequences.
