The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has taken swift action against a popular food outlet, KFC, at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos following allegations of discrimination against persons with disabilities. The move comes after a social media report by a Passenger with Reduced Mobility (PRM) highlighted discriminatory treatment at the airport.
In a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, FAAN revealed that the KFC outlet violated Lagos State laws on discrimination against people with special needs. The incident prompted FAAN’s Managing Director/CEO, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, to deploy a management team to investigate the allegations.
Based on the team’s findings, FAAN shut down the KFC facility and demanded an unreserved apology to the affected PRM. Additionally, the authority instructed KFC management to post a policy statement of non-discrimination at their facility before resuming operations.
The victim, Adebola Daniel, son of former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, recounted his distressing experience at the KFC outlet in a series of tweets. He described the humiliation he faced as a wheelchair user, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and respect for persons with disabilities.
KFC responded via its official Twitter handle, expressing regret over the incident and pledging to address the situation. The food outlet announced plans for sensitivity training for its employees and vowed to ensure that every guest feels welcomed and respected.
In response to the incident, the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) condemned discrimination against persons with disabilities. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities and urged victims to report such incidents for appropriate action.
The shutdown of the KFC outlet underscores the importance of upholding inclusivity and dignity for all individuals, regardless of their disability status. It serves as a reminder of the need for businesses to prioritize sensitivity training and create accessible environments for everyone.
