FG names KWAM 1 airport security ambassador after flight ban review, stakeholders react

The Federal Government has appointed Fuji music legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an airport security protocol ambassador, a move that has drawn both praise and concern within the aviation sector.

Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, announced the decision on Wednesday, explaining that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reduced the musician’s indefinite flight ban to a one-month sanction, following appeals from well-meaning Nigerians, consultations with stakeholders, and the singer’s public show of remorse. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will now partner with KWAM 1 to promote proper conduct and safety awareness in Nigeria’s airports.

The ban stemmed from a 5 August 2025 incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where KWAM 1 was captured in viral footage standing in front of a ValueJet aircraft preparing to taxi, allegedly assaulting an airport official. The NCAA had also filed a criminal complaint against him. In his apology, the singer admitted fault, pleaded for forgiveness, and explained that the altercation arose over a water container he was carrying due to a medical condition.

Keyamo said the NCAA will also withdraw its criminal complaint and restore the licences of ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba after a one-month suspension. He added that the appointment is part of a broader push to leverage influential figures to shape public behaviour and curb unruly passenger incidents.

While some stakeholders question engaging a personality previously sanctioned for a major airport security breach, the minister insists the move is a compassionate yet strategic approach, paired with upcoming training for aviation security staff on de-escalation techniques and reviews of airline staff conduct toward passengers.