The Federal Government is considering appointing legendary Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol. The move comes in the wake of a recent controversy involving the artist at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the plan in a statement issued on Wednesday, revealing that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had agreed to reduce KWAM 1’s flight ban to one month. Keyamo added that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) would lead an engagement process to collaborate with the musician in promoting awareness of acceptable conduct within the aviation sector.
“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 KWAM 1, earlier lodged with the police,” the statement read.
The minister explained that the decision followed appeals from well-meaning Nigerians and KWAM 1’s public expression of regret over the August 5 incident, during which he allegedly obstructed the movement of a ValueJet aircraft.
The dispute began when a flight attendant suspected that KWAM 1’s flask contained alcohol, which is prohibited on planes in Nigeria. The artist insisted it was doctor-prescribed medication. The disagreement reportedly escalated, and he was accused of spilling the contents on airline staff. The following day, a video surfaced showing him attempting to prevent the aircraft from taking off.
While FAAN claimed the flask contained alcohol, KWAM 1 maintained it only held water from the airport lounge and that he complied with all regulations. The NCAA subsequently blacklisted him from flying and suspended two pilots involved in the incident.
KWAM 1 later apologised publicly, stating the situation had been blown out of proportion and pledging to be a positive representative of Nigeria.
