By Emmanuel Nduka
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has explained why it suspended two pilots working with ValueJet, a local Nigerian carrier.
The NCAA said the pilots were involved in a serious safety violation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.
According to the NCAA, the pilots had their licenses withdrawn after they commenced departure procedures from their designated bay without securing the required pre-departure clearance.
Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday night. He said the Authority was alerted to the breach by the pilots involved.
A video clip shared by the NCAA on its official X (formerly Twitter) account showed a CRJ-900ER aircraft with registration number 5N-BXS taxiing from its parking position. In the footage, ground personnel could be seen in close proximity to the moving aircraft, with some running away as it picked up speed, suggesting the plane had not been cleared for movement.
Describing the action as “reckless,” the NCAA stated that it endangered the safety of airport staff and other users, and was in violation of both local aviation regulations and international safety standards.
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.
“This reckless action endangered the safety of ground personnel and other airport users, contravening established civil aviation regulations and international safety standards.
“The NCAA views this incident with utmost seriousness.
“Consequently, the Authority has taken immediate enforcement action by suspending the licences of the pilot, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co- pilot, First officer Ivan Oloba with immediate effect.
“This suspension will remain in place pending the conclusion of a full investigation into the incident.
The Authority hereby reaffirms all stakeholders of its commitment to safety”.
The NCAA emphasized that safety remains paramount in all aviation operations and reiterated its commitment to enforcing regulations to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Heritage Times HT reports that ValueJet is owned by prominent Nigerian businessman Kunle Soname, who also owns Bet9ja, a sports betting website, and several football clubs, including Remo Stars (reigning Nigeria Premier League champions) and C.D. Feirense.
Just recently, Soname’s ValueJet airlifted Nigeria’s Super Falcons back home from Morocco, after they won their 10th WAFCON title in July.
