FG to Appoint KWAM 1 as Airport Security Protocol Ambassador After Ban Reduction

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

The Federal Government has announced plans to engage Fuji music legend, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol, following a 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, outlining resolutions to a series of recent incidents of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports.

According to the statement, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has agreed to reduce KWAM 1’s initial six-month flight ban to one month, citing his public display of remorse. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will coordinate the engagement process, working with the musician to raise public awareness on acceptable conduct within the aviation sector.

“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 stated.

The minister further revealed that, on compassionate grounds, the NCAA would also withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1, initially lodged with the police. He explained that the decision followed appeals from respected figures and the artiste’s public apology over the August 5 incident in which he allegedly obstructed a ValueJet aircraft’s movement.

The controversy began when KWAM 1 was accused of carrying a prohibited flask believed to contain alcohol, spilling its contents on airport personnel, and walking onto the aircraft’s tarmac, allegedly blocking the plane from taxiing. The musician, however, insisted the flask contained water for medical purposes.

Keyamo stressed that while the government had extended clemency in this case, it remained committed to enforcing aviation safety and security regulations to protect passengers and operational integrity across the country’s airports.

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