The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has confirmed the appointment of Fuji music legend, Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol.

The decision, announced in Abuja on Wednesday, follows the resolution of the ValueJet incident in which the singer was involved in what authorities described as unruly conduct at an airport earlier this month.

According to Keyamo, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reduced KWAM 1’s flight ban to one month and will also withdraw its criminal complaint against him. In addition, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will collaborate with the artist to promote passenger discipline and awareness of aviation security rules.

“FAAN will work with the music star with a view to engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward.

“We are sending a clear message that we take safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously, and we have decided to draw a line after these clemencies” Keyamo said.

The aviation minister explained that the latest decisions were reached after consultations with stakeholders and in light of public remorse shown by those involved in recent airport disruptions.

Comfort Emmanson released, lifetime ban lifted

Keyamo also announced clemency for Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the passenger arrested over a disturbance aboard an Ibom Airline flight on August 10, 2025.

He said the airline had agreed to withdraw its criminal complaint against her after she expressed remorse in the presence of her lawyer when giving her statement to police.

“With the withdrawal of the complaint, the Commissioner of Police of the Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will immediately take the steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prisons within this week,” he stated.

The minister added that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had also agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban previously imposed on Emmanson. Details of the resolution, he said, would be announced by the AON.

ValueJet pilots to return after suspension

In the ValueJet case, Keyamo said the NCAA will restore the licences of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba after a one-month suspension and a mandatory professional re-appraisal.

Security and customer service overhaul

In response to the recent string of incidents, the minister directed all relevant aviation agencies to commence a retreat next week in collaboration with other security bodies to retrain personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations.

“The retreat will be fully covered by the press with the opportunity to ask all the relevant questions.

“The airlines will also have their own session where the conduct and attitude of their staff towards members of the travelling public will be in full focus,” he said.

Keyamo stressed that while the government acted on compassionate grounds this time, safety protocols would be strictly enforced henceforth.

He added that, “These above decisions were taken purely on compassionate, government will never pander to base sentiments or politically motivated views when clear encroachment of our laws is involved.”