The management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has ordered the closure of the KFC outlet at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos with effect from Thursday, March 28, 2024.
FAAN said the decision was in line with Lagos State law on People with Special Needs, Part C, section 55 of General Provisions on Discrimination which states that, “A person shall not deprive another person of access to any place, vehicle or facility that members of the public are entitled to enter or use on the basis of the disabilityof that person.”
The development followed a social media report by a Passenger with Reduced Mobility (PRM), Debola Daniel, alleging discriminatory treatment he received at the KFC outlet located at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
A statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN, Mrs Obiageli Orah, said the MD/CE of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, intervened swiftly by deploying a management team comprising the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah, the Regional Manager South West, Mr Sunday Ayodele, Ag. General Manager Public Affairs, Mrs Ijeoma Nwosu-Igbo and the International Terminal Manager, Mr Kerri, to investigate the allegation against KFC.
“It is based on the findings of the team that FAAN has shut down the KFC facility at the MMA, where the incident occurred.
“The Authority has instructed that the KFC Management should tender an unreserved apology, in writing, to the affected PRM and a policy statement of non-discrimination be written and pasted conspicuously at the door post of their facility at MMIA before it resumes operation.
“FAAN uses this medium to express our unreserved apology to the affected Passenger with Reduced Mobility and assures all airport users that we shall continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the rights of every passenger are not infringed upon,” Orah stated.
Earlier on Wednesday, Debola Daniel, a son of former Ogun State governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, had taken to his social media page to lament his maltreatment by the fast-food outlet at MMIA, detailing his humiliating experience and emphasising the broader implications of such discriminatory practices.
Debola said he was denied entry into the KFC outlet due to his use of a wheelchair.
“Being disabled often rolls over my spirit, leaving behind a trail of shattered dignity and forgotten humanity. Nowhere more so than in Nigeria,” Debola wrote, drawing attention to the systemic challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in the country.
According to him, the refusal occurred as he, along with four companions, his wife and brothers attempted to dine at the outlet. Despite being recognised by the security staff, they were abruptly informed by the restaurant’s manager that wheelchairs were not permitted inside.
This directive left Debola and his group in disbelief and sparked a confrontation with the staff.
“To be disabled in Nigeria is to be undesirable, unwelcome, and unaccepted,” Daniel remarked, shedding light on the loneliness and isolation felt by many in the disabled community.
The situation escalated as Debola’s family members expressed their indignation, challenging the manager’s stance. Debola, preferring to avoid a public scene, suggested they leave. However, the incident was documented through videos and photographs, capturing the attention of other patrons who attempted to mediate.
In a subsequent effort to address the incident, Debola’s relatives returned to the restaurant, covertly recording a conversation with the manager who confirmed the discriminatory policy.
