The Federal Government has announced that Fuji music legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, will serve as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol following a recent controversy at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, outlining measures taken to address recent cases of misconduct at Nigerian airports.
According to the minister, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has decided to cut down KWAM 1’s flight ban from six months to one month, while the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria will spearhead his engagement in public awareness campaigns on aviation rules.
“The NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to a one-month period. FAAN will also work with the music star to engage him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward,” Keyamo stated.
The minister further explained that the NCAA would withdraw the criminal complaint earlier filed against the musician with the police, following his public apology and expression of remorse.
“Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA will also withdraw its criminal complaints. This clemency is on compassionate grounds, but the government remains committed to enforcing all aviation safety and security laws,” he added.
The development comes after the August 5 incident in which KWAM 1 was accused of obstructing a ValueJet aircraft’s movement after an altercation with security officials over a flask believed to contain alcohol.
He has since clarified that the flask contained water for medical purposes, not alcohol, as alleged.
In his earlier apology, KWAM 1 expressed regret over the confrontation, saying, “I am deeply sorry for any inconvenience caused. It was never my intention to disrupt airport operations, and I will use this experience to advocate for compliance with aviation rules.”
The government said the decision was influenced by appeals from well-meaning individuals and the artist’s willingness to use his platform to promote respectful conduct at airports.