ValueJet said it has suspended the pilots that breached aviation safety protocols on Tuesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.
valueJet in a statement by its management, regretted the safety violation by the two pilots and said it was cooperating with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in its ongoing investigation of the incident.
The airline said that immediately it was aware of the incident, the crew involved were removed from active duty, pending the outcome of a thorough internal review and investigation, which has since commenced.
The airline said: “ValueJet is aware of the incident that occurred on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, involving one of our aircraft departing from the designated bay.
“We acknowledge the seriousness of this incident and are fully cooperating with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in their ongoing investigation.
“At ValueJet, safety is not negotiable. We operate under strict adherence to regulatory procedures and international safety standards, and we remain committed to accountability and improvement across all levels of our operations.”
The airline also commended the NCAA for its swift response and promised to continue to work closely with the authority to uphold the integrity of the Nigerian aviation sector.
The NCAA had on Tuesday in a statement by Mr. Michael Achimugu, Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA said it suspended the licences of two pilots – Capt. Oluranti Ogoyi and Ivan Oloba, the co- pilot, First officer with immediate effect following violation of aviation safety protocols.
Achimugu maintained that the suspension would remain in place pending the conclusion of a full investigation into the incident.
A viral video of the incident on social media on Tuesday, had shown that the pilot had moved the commenced departure procedures from the bay while airside/ground officials were still on ground and close to the aircraft.
One of the personnel had to quickly crouch to prevent the aircraft’s wing hitting his head, while others scampered for safety.
Achimugu added: “Preliminary information indicates that the pilot in question commenced departure procedures from the designated bay without adhering to the mandatory pre-departure clearance protocols.
“This reckless action endangered the safety of ground personnel and other airport users, contravening established civil aviation regulations and international safety standards.”
He maintained that the NCAA viewed this incident with utmost seriousness.
(Independent)
