The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has shut down Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, over discriminatory treatment against Debola Daniel, son of former Ogun state governor Gbenga Daniel.
On March 27, Daniel posted on his official X page that the restaurant stopped him and his family from entering because he was in a wheelchair.
“Just as we were about to sit, the lady at the till – who was apparently the manager – called out loudly, ‘No Wheelchairs Allowed’,” he posted.
“She refused to listen to reason and stood her ground that at kfcnigeria Murtala Muhammed branch, wheelchairs and wheelchair users of all shapes and sizes were not permitted on the premises and we should leave immediately.
I have never been the type of person to make a fuss or complain about my disability.”
Reacting to the development in a statement on Thursday, Obiageli Orah, director, public affairs and consumer protection at FAAN, said the authority had investigated the matter and made their decision.
Orah added that the shutdown will take effect from today, March 28.
“In line with Lagos State law on people with special needs, Part C, section 55 of General Provisions n 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’,” FAAN said.
“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 of Public Affairs, Mrs. Ijeoma Nwosu-Igbo, and the International Terminal Manager, Mr Kerri, to investigate the allegation.
“It is based on the findings of the team that FAAN has shut down the KFC facility at the MMA, where the incident occurred.”
Orah said the authority had instructed KFC management to 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.
The authority also apologised to Daniel and assured all airport users that they would continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the rights of every passenger are not infringed upon.