NCAA suspends 2 ValueJet pilots for safety breach at Abuja airport
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the licenses of two pilots from ValueJet, a domestic airline, for a serious breach of safety regulations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the incident occurred when the flight crew initiated their departure without obtaining mandatory clearance from air traffic control.
Achimugu described the act as “reckless,” stating that it “endangered the safety of ground personnel and other airport users, contravening established civil aviation regulations and international safety standards.”
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As a result of this “grave safety violation,” the licenses of the pilot, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba, have been suspended with immediate effect.
“The suspension will remain in effect pending the conclusion of a full investigation into the incident,” the NCAA noted.
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The regulatory body reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on safety violations and assured the public and stakeholders of its commitment to maintaining air travel safety in Nigeria.
“The Authority hereby reaffirms to all stakeholders its commitment to safety and strict adherence to aviation protocols,” Achimugu added.
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