FG Appoints KWAM 1 as Aviation Security Ambassador After Airport Incident

By Ufuoma Omojirhe

The Federal Government has named Fuji legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocols, following a recent controversy over his conduct at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the decision in a statement on Wednesday, outlining measures to address recent cases of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports.

Keyamo disclosed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had reduced KWAM 1’s flight ban from six months to one month and would collaborate with the musician, alongside the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), to promote awareness of acceptable conduct in aviation spaces.

“The NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to one month. FAAN will also work with the music star to engage him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward. Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA will also withdraw its criminal complaints against him,” the statement read.

The minister explained that the decision followed appeals from well-meaning Nigerians and KWAM 1’s public apology over the August 5 incident, during which he allegedly obstructed the movement of a ValueJet aircraft.

KWAM 1, who apologised earlier this week, insisted the flask he carried that day contained water for medical purposes and not alcohol, as alleged by airport security personnel.

Keyamo emphasised that the clemency was granted on compassionate grounds but warned that the Federal Government remained committed to enforcing aviation safety and security laws.

On August 5, the artiste was accused of carrying a prohibited flask, spilling its contents on staff, and walking onto the tarmac to block a plane from taxiing — actions described by the NCAA as breaches of aviation safety regulations.