- FAAN Shuts Down KFC Outlet At Lagos Airport

The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities has issued a stern condemnation following a discriminatory incident at a KFC restaurant in Lagos State on March 27, 2024.

Recall that Debola Daniel, an individual with a disability who relies on a wheelchair, was unjustly denied access to the lounge area of the KFC establishment located within the departure hall of Murtala Muhammed International Airport. 

According to a press release made available to the press, the SSA, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, stated that this discriminatory act is deemed unacceptable, as it infringes upon the fundamental rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.

Expressing solidarity with Daniel and others who have faced similar discrimination, the office reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the rights of all citizens, regardless of their abilities. It asserts a zero-tolerance stance towards any form of discrimination or marginalization within society.

Hon. Isa pledged to pursue this matter vigorously until justice is served and corrective measures are implemented, while demanding public apology from KFC, to be published in national dailies, as a means of rectifying the discriminatory conduct.

"We hereby pledge to vigorously pursue this matter until the narrative is changed, and redress is found. Additionally, we demand a public apology from KFC, to be published in national dailies, for their perverse discrimination and misconduct. Failure to heed this demand will result in legal action, as we will not hesitate to seek justice through the appropriate channels.

“Discrimination against persons with disabilities has no place in our society, and we call upon all stakeholders to join us in ensuring equal access and opportunities for all. Let us work together to create a more inclusive and equitable Nigeria.,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has shut down KFC facility at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos with immediate effect.

A statement by Mrs. Obiageli Orah, Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN, said that this was in connection with the discriminatory treatment received by a Passenger with Reduced Mobility (PRM) at the airport on Wednesday from the outlet.

The statement said that the closing down of the company was in line with Lagos State Law on People with Special Needs, Part C, Section 55 of General Provisions on Discrimination.

The law 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 statement hinted that Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, the Managign Director, FAAN, immediately intervened 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 of discrimination against the physically challenged traveller.

Orah emphasised that the shutting down of the facility at the MMIA where the incident occurred, was based on the findings of the team deployed by FAAN to carry out investigation into the matter.

FAAN also directed the KFC management to tender an unreserved apology, in writing to the affected PRM and a policy statement of non-discrimination written and pasted conspicuously at the door post of their facility at the airport before it would be allowed to resume 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,” the statement said.

It would be recalled that Debola Daniel, the son of Senator Gbenga Daniel, was ridiculed yesterday because of his disability by staffers of KFC.