Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has defended the Federal Government’s decision to consider Fuji music legend, Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, for the role of Airport Security Protocol Ambassador, insisting that the appointment is voluntary, unpaid, and carries no official privileges.
The development follows public outrage over KWAM 1’s widely condemned actions at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on August 5, 2025, when he attempted to block a moving aircraft. Viral footage showed the musician standing in front of a ValueJet Airlines plane preparing to taxi, allegedly assaulting an airport official in the process.
The incident sparked national condemnation, with calls for his arrest and prosecution. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) responded by imposing an indefinite flight ban on the artist and filing a criminal complaint.
However, KWAM 1 issued a public apology on Friday, admitting wrongdoing and seeking forgiveness from President Bola Tinubu, the Aviation Minister, the pilot, airline staff, passengers, and fans worldwide. He explained that the confrontation stemmed from an issue over a water container he was carrying for health reasons, which his doctor had recommended to combat dehydration.
Following appeals from respected figures and after considering his public display of remorse, the Aviation Ministry reviewed the sanctions. In a statement on Wednesday, Keyamo announced that KWAM 1’s flight ban had been reduced to one month, while the NCAA would withdraw its criminal complaint. Additionally, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) would collaborate with him to promote awareness of proper airport security procedures.
“This is not about rewarding bad behaviour,” Keyamo said. “In KWAM 1’s case, the NCAA will reduce his flight ban to one month. FAAN will also work with him to promote proper airport security procedures. Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA will also withdraw its criminal complaint against him.”
The decision has stirred mixed reactions across social media. While some Nigerians believe the move could encourage similar misconduct in the future, others see it as an opportunity for the singer to make amends.
Twitter user @khalArri criticised the move, saying, “Somebody that should be doing community service at the very least is about to be rewarded for his unruly behaviour.” Another user, @lamy_tosh_ade, took a more sympathetic view, suggesting, “For me, I think he’s being ridiculed. Giving a chieftain a public image ambassador is like telling him to learn from his mistakes.”
In clarifying the rationale, Keyamo likened the initiative to a form of community service, stressing that it is unpaid, voluntary, and aimed at encouraging offenders to speak out against misconduct they have renounced.
“For further clarification, it is common practice all over the world that a repentant offender is made to preach publicly against the exact conduct from which he has repented. It is akin to community service. It is not paid for and it is voluntary service,” the minister explained.
Keyamo also addressed misconceptions surrounding the use of the term “ambassador,” noting that in Nigeria it is often associated with high-ranking positions and official perks. “Unfortunately, in Nigeria, some would assume that once you hear the word ‘Ambassador’ it is a big position that comes with the perquisites of office. No, it is not. It is for free. It is not the first time it is happening in Nigeria and it will not be the last,” he said.
The minister further disclosed that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) may also appoint Ms. Comfort Emmanson — a passenger involved in another viral in-flight incident — as an ambassador for good passenger conduct. Emmanson, who was released from prison custody earlier on Wednesday, has also shown remorse for her actions.
“Whilst the usual suspects can continue to question our decisions on this issue, we firmly believe we have been fair to all,” Keyamo concluded.
