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.
This was disclosed on Thursday in a statement signed by its Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah.
The development followed a social media report by Debola Daniel, a Passenger with Reduced Mobility (PRM), who alleged discriminatory treatment at the KFC outlet situated in Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
The statement, titled, ‘FAAN shuts down KFC outlet at MMIA,’ stated that the food outlet violated the Lagos State Law on People with Special Needs, Part C, Section 55 of General Provisions on Discrimination.
The statement added that the directive followed a social media report by a Passenger with Reduced Mobility who alleged discriminatory treatment he received at the airport.
The statement reads: “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 disability of that person’, the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has closed the KFC facility at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos with effect from March 28, 2024.
“This is as a result of a social media report by a Passenger with Reduced Mobility (PRM), alleging discriminatory treatment he received at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
“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.”
On Wednesday, Debola Daniel, son of former Ogun State governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel, took to social media to express his dismay over the discriminatory treatment he faced at a KFC outlet in Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Recounting the incident, Debola revealed that he was denied entry into the restaurant due to his use of a wheelchair. Despite being recognised by security, the restaurant’s manager adamantly enforced a policy prohibiting wheelchairs inside the premises.
Expressing his frustration, Debola highlighted the systemic challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in Nigeria, emphasising feelings of isolation and rejection.
The situation escalated as Debola’s family members challenged the manager’s stance, resulting in a confrontation. Despite his reluctance to create a scene, the incident was documented through videos and photographs, garnering attention from other patrons.
In response to the incident, Debola’s relatives covertly recorded a conversation with the manager, who confirmed the discriminatory policy.
Debola expressed his determination to seek justice, vowing to escalate the matter until a resolution is reached.
He called on KFC Nigeria to address the issue and reconsider their treatment of disabled customers, emphasising the importance of inclusivity and respect for individuals with disabilities.