Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has clarified that the appointment of Fuji star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an “ambassador for airport security protocol” will not come with any pay or privileges.
Keyamo, in a post on his X handle, explained that the role is akin to community service, often given to repentant offenders to publicly advocate against the same misconduct they committed.
“It is not paid for, and it is a voluntary service,” the minister said, adding that it is common practice worldwide and has precedent in Nigeria.
The Federal Government had earlier reduced KWAM 1’s indefinite flight ban to one month and withdrawn criminal complaints against him following his public apology over the August 5 incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where he allegedly blocked a moving aircraft and assaulted an airport official.
The decision sparked criticism over perceived double standards, especially as another passenger, Comfort Emmanson, had been detained over “unruly” behaviour on an Ibom Air flight. Emmanson was later released after charges were withdrawn.
Keyamo also announced the restoration of licences for ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba after a one-month suspension, noting that both recent cases had highlighted the need for better handling of disruptive passengers.
He directed all aviation agencies to hold a retreat next week to retrain personnel on de-escalation and passenger management.
