August 06, (THEWILL) — The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced the immediate suspension of the licences of two ValueJet pilots over a serious breach of aviation safety protocols at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
In a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, the authority said Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba commenced departure procedures from the designated bay without obtaining mandatory pre-departure clearance.
“This reckless action endangered the safety of ground personnel and other airport users, contravening established civil aviation regulations and international safety standards,” the NCAA stated.
It added that the incident is being treated with the utmost seriousness, prompting swift enforcement action.
“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.
“Consequently, the Authority has taken immediate enforcement action by suspending the licences of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba with immediate effect.
“The suspension will remain in place pending the conclusion of a full investigation into the incident,” the statement said.
The NCAA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the highest level of safety in Nigeria’s aviation sector and urged all stakeholders to strictly adhere to established protocols.
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