The federal government has announced plans to appoint Fuji music icon, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol following the controversy surrounding his conduct at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed the decision in a statement on Wednesday, outlining measures taken to address recent cases of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports.
Keyamo said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has agreed to reduce KWAM 1’s six-month flight ban to one month.
Also, he said the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will work with the musician to promote awareness on acceptable passenger conduct and compliance with aviation safety rules.
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“The NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to a one-month period. FAAN will also work with the music star with a view to engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward,” the statement read.
The minister noted that the NCAA would also withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 after he publicly expressed remorse over the August 5 incident in which he allegedly obstructed a ValueJet aircraft’s movement.
Keyamo said the decision followed appeals from well-meaning Nigerians and was granted on compassionate grounds.
The incident occurred when the Fuji star was accused of carrying a prohibited flask suspected to contain alcohol, spilling its contents on security personnel, and later stepping onto the tarmac, allegedly blocking the aircraft from taxiing.
The NCAA described the act as a violation of aviation safety regulations and initially imposed a six-month no-fly sanction.
KWAM 1, in a public apology days later, insisted that the flask contained water for medical purposes, not alcohol as alleged.
Keyamo stressed that while the clemency was an act of compassion, the government remains committed to strict enforcement of safety and security regulations in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
