The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has taken decisive action against a branch of the popular food outlet, KFC, located at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos State.
The closure follows allegations of discriminatory treatment towards a Passenger with Reduced Mobility (PRM), prompting FAAN to enforce the Lagos State law on People with Special Needs.
In a statement released on Thursday, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, announced the shutdown, citing violations of disability rights laws.
The directive was issued following a social media report by the affected PRM detailing his ordeal at the airport.
The statement emphasised that under Lagos State law, discrimination against individuals with disabilities is prohibited, and access to public places must be granted without prejudice. FAAN’s intervention included a swift investigation by a management team, leading to the closure of the KFC facility where the incident occurred.
FAAN further instructed KFC management to issue a written apology to the affected PRM and prominently display a policy statement of non-discrimination before resuming operations. The authority expressed regret over the incident and pledged to uphold the rights of all passengers.
The victim, identified as Adebola Daniel, son of former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, recounted his experience of being denied access to the KFC outlet due to his wheelchair. Daniel described the incident as a profound humiliation and highlighted the challenges faced by disabled individuals in Nigeria.
In response to the allegations, KFC acknowledged the incident and reiterated its commitment to inclusivity and respect. The food outlet vowed to undertake sensitivity training for its employees and implement measures to ensure all guests feel welcomed and valued.
Meanwhile, the General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, condemned the discrimination and affirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. LASODA urged individuals facing similar discrimination to report such incidents for appropriate action.
