The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has shut down a branch of the popular food outlet, KFC, at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos State following allegations of discriminatory treatment levelled against the establishment, News About Nigeria reports.
In a statement issued on Thursday by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, it was disclosed that the KFC outlet violated Lagos State laws on discrimination against People with Special Needs.
The directive to shut down the outlet came after a social media report by the son of former Ogun state governor, Gbenga Daniel, with Reduced Mobility (PRM) detailing discriminatory treatment he experienced at the airport.
The victim, identified as Adebola Daniel, narrated his ordeal in a series of tweets, describing the incident as “the worst sort of public humiliation” he had ever encountered.
Adebola, who uses a wheelchair, recounted how he and his family were denied entry to the KFC outlet at the airport, despite being frequent travellers familiar with airport processes.
According to Adebola, the manager of the KFC outlet allegedly refused to allow wheelchairs into the premises, leading to a heated exchange with his family members.
The incident, captured on video and audio recordings, sparked outrage on social media and prompted FAAN to launch an investigation.
In response to the allegations, FAAN deployed a management team to investigate the matter.
Following their findings, the authority ordered the immediate shutdown of the KFC facility at the airport.
Additionally, FAAN instructed KFC management to issue an unreserved apology to the affected PRM and display a policy statement of non-discrimination prominently at the outlet before resuming operations.
KFC, in a statement via its official X handle, expressed regret over the incident and stressed its commitment to inclusivity and respect for all customers.
The food outlet announced plans to implement sensitivity training for its employees and explore solutions to ensure that every guest feels welcomed and receives empathetic customer service.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) condemned the discriminatory actions against Adebola, affirming its commitment to protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.
LASODA encouraged people who have experienced discrimination based on their disability to report such incidents for prompt action.
