— Keyamo Announces Sweeping Reforms for Aviation Security Protocols By Peter Dansu The Federal Government has announced a series of concil...
— Keyamo Announces Sweeping Reforms for Aviation Security Protocols
By Peter Dansu
The Federal Government has announced a series of conciliatory measures and reforms in the aviation sector following recent high-profile incidents of unruly conduct at Nigerian airports, involving popular individuals and airline staff.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, revealed that after consultations with critical stakeholders in the sector, government has decided to withdraw the criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the passenger at the centre of an altercation aboard an Ibom Airline flight on Sunday, August 10, 2025.
According to Keyamo, Emmanson, who has been in custody at Kirikiri Prisons, displayed “great remorse” during her interaction with police in the presence of her lawyer. Following the withdrawal of the complaint by Ibom Airline, the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, and the Police Prosecutor have been directed to expedite her release within the week.
In a related move, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), after an appeal from the minister, agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban previously imposed on Emmanson. Details of the resolution are expected to be announced by the AON in due course.
KWAM 1 Case: Ban Reduced, Ambassador Role Offered
Addressing the widely publicised incident involving Fuji music icon Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM 1, the minister disclosed that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has resolved to reduce the artiste’s flight ban to a one-month suspension.
Furthermore, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is set to collaborate with KWAM 1 by appointing him as an ambassador for airport security protocol, a move Keyamo believes will help promote awareness on proper conduct at airports.
In addition, the NCAA will withdraw the criminal complaint it had earlier lodged against the musician, while ValueJet pilots Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba will have their licenses restored after serving a one-month suspension and completing mandatory professional reappraisal.
Sector-Wide Reforms and Staff Retraining
Beyond the individual cases, Keyamo announced a comprehensive retraining programme for aviation security personnel and complementary agencies. Beginning next week, the retreat will focus on managing disruptive passengers, de-escalating potentially explosive situations, and improving interactions between airline staff and passengers.
“The retreat will be open to full media coverage to ensure transparency and public accountability,” Keyamo assured, adding that airlines will also have dedicated sessions to review staff behaviour towards travellers.
Compassionate Grounds, Firm Warning
While emphasising that the government’s decisions were taken “purely on compassionate grounds,” Keyamo warned that the clemency granted should not be mistaken for leniency towards future breaches.
“Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically motivated views, or warped legal opinions when clear violations of our laws are involved,” he stated. “We have decided to draw the line after these clemencies. Safety and security in the aviation sector remain our top priority.”
The announcements mark a significant shift in how Nigeria’s aviation authorities plan to handle disruptive behaviour, focusing not only on punitive measures but also on public awareness, professional retraining, and stronger stakeholder collaboration.
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