Minister of aviation and aerospace development Festus Keyamo has clarified that Fuji musician K1 De Ultimate’s newly announced ambassadorial role is voluntary and attracts no salary.
In a post on X on Wednesday, the minister explained that the role, which follows K1’s recent airport controversy, is similar to community service.
“It is akin to community service. It is not paid for, and it is a voluntary service. 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,” he wrote.
Keyamo added that appointing repentant offenders to speak publicly against offences they once committed is a common practice worldwide. “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 the first time it is happening in Nigeria and it will not be the last. Examples abound of such roles given to repentant persons by previous governments in Nigeria,” he said.
K1 De Ultimate was caught on video obstructing a taxiing aircraft at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on August 5. The act earned him an indefinite flight ban from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and a criminal complaint. The Fuji star later apologised to the President, the aviation minister, airport workers, passengers and fans. Following consultations, the NCAA reduced his flight ban to one month and dropped the criminal case against him.
Keyamo said the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and other agencies will work with K1 De Ultimate in his new role as ambassador for proper airport security protocol. The minister also referenced the case of Comfort Emmanson, a passenger detained after allegedly misbehaving on an Ibom Air flight. Emmanson was later released after a magistrate struck out the charges against her.
According to Keyamo, the Airline Operators of Nigeria is considering making her an “ambassador for good passenger conduct.”
Keyamo revealed that aviation agencies will hold a retreat next week to retrain staff on handling unruly passengers and defusing tense situations. “Whilst the usual suspects can continue to question our decisions on this issue, we firmly believe we have been fair to all,” he concluded.
The confrontation between K1 De Ultimate and ValueJet officials began when security personnel suspected that a flask he was carrying contained alcohol, which is prohibited onboard. K1 insisted it contained water, poured its contents on security officials and moved onto the tarmac to block a taxiing aircraft.
Keyamo later described the incident as “akin to a hostage situation”, stressing that the obstruction posed serious safety risks. He also faulted the airline crew for escalating the matter and questioned the pilot’s decision to taxi with a person in front of the aircraft.
In his apology, K1 said he suffers from chronic dehydration and carries water as advised by his doctor. He extended his regret to the Presidency, ministry of aviation, FAAN, NCAA, ValueJet and Nigerians generally.
The incident sparked debate online about accountability and celebrity privilege in Nigeria. Some pointed to Section 459A of the Criminal Code Act, which criminalises obstruction of aircraft movement and carries a prison term.
Comfort Emmanson’s case also drew attention after reports emerged that she refused to switch off her phone during boarding, physically assaulted a flight attendant and tried to use a fire extinguisher as a weapon.
