The Federal Government has announced plans to appoint Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for airport security protocol.
Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will work with the artiste to promote proper conduct at airports nationwide.
Keyamo said the decision follows KWAM 1’s public apology over a recent incident at the Lagos domestic terminal, during which he explained that the flask he carried contained medically prescribed water, not alcohol, as alleged by airport officials.
“In the case of KWAM 1, the NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to a one-month period. FAAN will also work with the music star to engage him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward,” the minister said.
He added that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will also withdraw its criminal complaints against the artiste, earlier lodged with the police.
The move comes after the August 5 suspension of two ValueJet pilots over a safety breach linked to KWAM 1’s alleged disorderly conduct on board. Keyamo had initially directed that the musician be placed on a no-fly list pending the outcome of investigations, while the NCAA petitioned the attorney-general of the federation and the inspector-general of police over the matter.
In his latest statement, Keyamo revealed that he has instructed aviation agencies to hold a retreat to retrain security personnel on managing unruly passengers and defusing tense situations before they escalate.
He said the decisions were made on compassionate grounds but stressed that the government remains committed to enforcing aviation safety and security laws. “We will never pander to base sentiments, politically motivated views, or warped legal opinions when there is clear encroachment of our laws,” he said, adding that the latest clemency marks a final line on the matter.