Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) Nigeria, a prominent international fast-food franchise, has publicly apologized to Adebola Daniel, the son of former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, following an incident of discriminatory treatment. The fast-food giant took to its X page on Thursday to express its regret and commitment to addressing the situation swiftly.
The incident, which took place at the KFC outlet at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), was brought to light by Adebola Daniel himself through a detailed account shared on his official X page on March 27. Daniel recounted how he and his family were denied entry into the restaurant on the grounds that “no wheelchairs were allowed,” sparking widespread outrage and calling attention to the need for inclusivity and respect towards individuals with disabilities.
In response to the incident, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announced on March 28 that it had temporarily shut down the implicated KFC outlet. FAAN’s directive also included a requirement for KFC management to issue a written apology to Daniel and to display a clear policy statement against discrimination at the entrance of its MMIA outlet before resuming operations.
KFC, addressing the incident, reaffirmed its stance against any form of bias or discrimination, emphasizing inclusivity and respect as foundational values of the company. The statement from KFC highlighted the urgent need for corrective actions and revealed plans for immediate implementation of inclusion training for all employees. This move aims to better equip team members and ensure that every guest feels genuinely welcomed, and to deliver customer service that attentively considers the diverse needs of each individual.
Furthermore, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) also weighed in on the matter, condemning the discriminatory treatment experienced by Daniel. Adamu Abdullahi, acting executive vice chairman (EVC) and chief executive officer (CEO) of FCCPC, underscored the commission’s dedication to eliminating any form of discrimination against consumers, particularly those based on disability. Abdullahi assured that the FCCPC would collaborate with relevant authorities to secure suitable redress for Daniel and hold KFC accountable for its actions.
The FCCPC referenced section 17 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), which mandates the elimination of practices harmful to competition and consumer welfare, highlighting the importance of safeguarding consumer interests.
This incident not only sheds light on the pressing issue of discrimination within consumer spaces but also serves as a catalyst for corporate entities like KFC to reinforce their commitment to inclusivity, respect, and empathy towards all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities.
