The Federal Government has announced plans to appoint Fuji music icon, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1), as an ambassador for airport security protocol, following the recent uproar over his conduct at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The development was revealed on Wednesday by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), in a statement addressing recent incidents of disruptive behaviour at Nigerian airports.
According to the minister, the decision comes after appeals from concerned stakeholders and a public apology from the musician, who was accused of breaching aviation regulations during an incident on August 5.
Keyamo disclosed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has agreed to reduce the six-month flight ban imposed on KWAM 1 to just one month, following his expression of remorse. In addition, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will lead the process of engaging the artiste as a public advocate for responsible conduct at airports.
“The NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to a one-month period,” the statement read. “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 NCAA is also set to withdraw the criminal complaint it had filed against KWAM 1 in relation to the incident.
The controversy began when the musician was involved in a confrontation with airline and security personnel while attempting to board a ValueJet flight to Lagos. He was reportedly carrying a prohibited flask, which officials initially believed contained alcohol. According to reports, he allegedly spilled the contents on security personnel and later walked onto the tarmac, disrupting aircraft movement.
In his apology issued days later, KWAM 1 denied carrying alcohol, stating the flask contained water for medical use, and expressed regret over how the situation unfolded.
The NCAA had previously described his actions as a serious violation of aviation safety protocols, placing him on a six-month no-fly list and filing a formal complaint with law enforcement.
However, Minister Keyamo explained that the decision to grant clemency was made strictly on compassionate grounds, warning that the government remains committed to enforcing discipline and safety in the aviation sector.
“While this clemency has been granted based on genuine remorse and appeals from respected voices, the government will not hesitate to act firmly in future cases of misconduct at our airports,” he said.
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