CCC Commends Minister’s Intervention in Comfort, Kwam 1 Aviation Disputes as Model for Crisis Resolution
The Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) has commended the recent intervention of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Chief Festus Keyamo, SAN, describing it as a strategic move that has helped restore calm and improve relations in the nation’s aviation sector.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, the CCC said it had reviewed the Minister’s role in resolving high-profile disputes involving Ms. Comfort Emmanson and Ibom Airline, as well as Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (popularly known as Kwam 1) and ValueJet personnel.
According to the CCC, the Minister’s facilitation of the withdrawal of criminal complaints, reduction of penalties, and restoration of operating privileges — alongside commitments to retraining aviation security and airline staff — reflects a balanced approach to resolving sensitive public service disputes.
The organisation noted that such passenger-airline incidents, in today’s highly connected media environment, could quickly escalate into major reputational crises. The Minister’s proactive steps, it said, had eased tensions, prevented further media fallout, and opened the door for long-term behavioural improvements among stakeholders.
While acknowledging that some might view the measures as lenient, the CCC stressed that they were paired with structural reforms, including:
- Mandatory retraining for aviation security personnel to better handle unruly passengers and de-escalate tensions without excessive force.
- Targeted sessions for airline staff to strengthen passenger engagement, empathy, and professional conduct.
- Industry-wide collaboration with the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to reinforce protocols and accountability.
The CCC also praised the Minister’s transparency in publicly outlining the facts, acknowledging shared culpability, and presenting corrective steps. Such open communication, it said, helps close information gaps, reduces speculation, and reinforces public confidence in government responsiveness.
Calling on all aviation stakeholders to embrace a culture of mutual respect and cooperation, the CCC said the Minister’s approach could serve as a model for crisis management in other public-facing sectors if backed by consistent enforcement and regular progress updates.
The statement was signed by Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade (rtd), Chairman of the CCC, and dated August 13, 2025.
