ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria
(FAAN) will soon appoint Fuji music legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly
known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for airport security protocol, Minister of
Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo announced on Wednesday, August
13, 2025.
The appointment is part of a new strategy to enlist
high-profile personalities in promoting courteous and lawful behaviour at
airports nationwide.
“In the case of KWAM 1, 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,” Keyamo’s statement read.
The decision follows KWAM 1’s public apology over an August
5 incident that led to his placement on a no-fly list and the suspension of two
ValueJet pilots.
The musician clarified that the flask in his possession at
the time contained medically prescribed water — not alcohol, as had been
alleged.
As part of the resolution, the Nigeria Civil Aviation
Authority (NCAA) will withdraw its criminal complaint to the police and cut the
ban from an indefinite period to one month.
Keyamo also directed aviation authorities to organise a
retreat for retraining airport security personnel on how to manage unruly
passengers and de-escalate tense situations before they spiral.
While stressing that the decision in KWAM 1’s case was made
on compassionate grounds, the minister made it clear that safety and security
remain paramount.
“We will never pander to base sentiments,
politically-motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of
our laws is involved,” Keyamo said. “The government takes safety and security
in the aviation sector very seriously and has decided to draw a line after
these clemencies.”
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