The Federal Government has announced plans to engage Fuji legend, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol, following recent controversy over his conduct at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday while outlining resolutions to recent incidents of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports.
According to Keyamo, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has agreed to reduce KWAM 1’s flight ban from six months to one month and will partner with him to promote awareness on acceptable conduct within the aviation sector. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will lead the engagement process.
“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.
Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA will also withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the police,” the statement read.
The minister noted that the decision was influenced by appeals from well-meaning individuals and KWAM 1’s public show of remorse over the August 5 incident, in which he allegedly obstructed the movement of a ValueJet aircraft.
Days earlier, the musician had apologised to the public, stating that the flask he carried during the incident contained water for medical purposes and not alcohol, contrary to claims by security personnel.
Keyamo stressed that the clemency was granted on compassionate grounds, but warned that the government remains committed to enforcing safety and security laws within the aviation industry.
On August 5, KWAM 1 was accused of breaching aviation safety regulations by carrying a prohibited flask believed to contain alcohol, spilling its contents on personnel, and later walking onto the aircraft’s tarmac, allegedly blocking the plane from taxiing. The NCAA had initially placed him on a six-month no-fly list and filed a criminal complaint with the police.