Nigeria’s aviation regulator has suspended the licenses of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba following a disturbing runway breach that could have endangered dozens of lives. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) announced the immediate disciplinary action on August 7, citing the crew’s failure to adhere to professional safety standards.
The incident, which unfolded on August 6 at an unnamed Nigerian airport, involved a confrontation between aggrieved passengers and the flight crew. According to eyewitness accounts, some passengers stormed the tarmac in protest after missing their flight, breaching security protocols and confronting airport staff in a chaotic scene captured on video.
Despite the unfolding situation on the ground, the flight crew proceeded with takeoff clearance. This action, which the NCAA now deems reckless, has sparked intense scrutiny. Aviation experts are questioning why a flight was allowed to taxi and prepare for takeoff amid such visible security and safety violations.
In its official statement, the NCAA said, “The crew demonstrated a clear lapse in situational awareness and failed to uphold the core safety principles of aviation. Pilots are not only trained to fly — they are trained to protect lives at all times.”
NCAA’s Director General, Captain Chris Najomo, has ordered a full-scale investigation to determine what went wrong and what reforms must follow. The authority emphasized that aviation safety is a non-negotiable responsibility and warned that further sanctions may follow pending the outcome of the probe.
The agency also issued a public appeal to passengers, urging them to follow lawful channels when aggrieved. “No matter how frustrated you are, storming a runway is a serious crime. There are procedures for complaints — use them. Disruption only puts more lives at risk,” the statement warned.
Experts say the latest action underscores the NCAA’s resolve to tighten safety oversight across Nigeria’s aviation space. As the investigation continues, industry insiders are calling for mandatory refresher training on situational crisis management and better airport crowd control strategies to prevent future breaches.
