Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has clarified that the recent appointment of Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for airport security protocol is strictly a voluntary and unpaid role.
The clarification, posted on Keyamo’s official X handle on Wednesday, follows public backlash over the government’s decision to engage the singer after his widely condemned attempt to block a moving aircraft at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on August 5, 2025.
Keyamo explained that the role is not a formal appointment but rather a form of community service aimed at raising awareness about proper airport behavior.
“It is common practice globally that a repentant offender is engaged to publicly speak out against the very conduct they were guilty of. It is not a paid role, and it carries no official perks,” the minister stated.
He also emphasized that this approach is not new in Nigeria and has been adopted by previous governments when dealing with individuals who have shown public remorse for misconduct.
The Federal Government had announced the engagement of KWAM 1 as an airport protocol ambassador after he issued a public apology for his actions, which included confronting airport personnel and standing in front of a ValueJet aircraft preparing to taxi. He cited a health-related need for water as the reason behind the incident but took full responsibility and requested forgiveness.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had initially imposed an indefinite flight ban and filed a criminal complaint against the singer. However, following public appeals and his apology, the ban was reduced to one month, and the criminal complaint was withdrawn.
“FAAN will now collaborate with him to promote airport protocol awareness,” Keyamo added, noting that the decision was made out of compassion and in recognition of the singer’s repentance.
The incident sparked a public debate, especially when compared to the case of Comfort Emmanson, an Ibom Air passenger who was arrested, charged, and remanded for alleged unruly behavior aboard a flight. Critics accused the government of applying double standards.
However, following the withdrawal of the case against her, Emmanson was released from the Kirikiri Correctional Centre on Wednesday. Keyamo also clarified that both cases were reviewed individually and that "both passengers and some airline staff had their own failings," which prompted a broader review of aviation conduct.
The minister has since directed all aviation agencies to begin a retreat next week aimed at retraining personnel on how to handle disruptive passengers and prevent escalation of incidents.
“These decisions were taken based on compassion, not pressure or sentiment,” Keyamo concluded. “Our aim remains to uphold the law while encouraging reform where possible.”
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