The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has ordered the closure of a KFC food outlet located at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, effective from March 28, 2024. The sanction came after a social media outcry from Adebola Daniel, the son of former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel, who reported discriminatory treatment at the establishment due to his physical disability.
FAAN, in a statement by Mrs. Obiageli Orah, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, declared the closure in accordance with the Lagos State law on People with Special Needs, specifically citing Part C, Section 55 of the General Provisions on Discrimination. The law emphasizes that no person should be denied access to public places, vehicles, or facilities on the basis of disability.
The incident that led to this decisive action involved Adebola Daniel, a wheelchair user, who experienced what he described as “the worst sort of public humiliation” at the KFC outlet. Despite being a frequent traveler familiar with the airport’s amenities, Daniel chose to wait for his flight at KFC due to the inaccessibility of his usual lounge, only to be met with outright discrimination. A staff member, purportedly the manager, loudly declared that wheelchairs were not allowed in the premises, effectively denying him and his accompanying family members service.
Daniel’s distressing experience, shared extensively on social media, prompted immediate action from FAAN. Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, MD/CE of FAAN, swiftly deployed a team to investigate the allegations, leading to the confirmation of the discriminatory act and the subsequent shutdown of the facility.
FAAN’s mandate also requires KFC to issue a written, unreserved apology to Adebola Daniel and to display a clear policy statement against discrimination at their outlet’s entrance before considering any resumption of operations. This firm stance underscores FAAN’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of every passenger and ensuring a discrimination-free environment within its jurisdiction.
Reacting to the closure, KFC has expressed regret over the incident and announced the initiation of sensitivity training for all employees to better accommodate the diverse needs of guests and to uphold the principles of inclusivity and respect.
Additionally, the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), represented by General Manager Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, has condemned the incident, emphasizing the state’s zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination against persons with disabilities. LASODA has called on anyone who experiences similar discriminatory treatment to come forward, reaffirming its dedication to fostering an inclusive society for all.
The closure of the KFC outlet at MMIA not only serves as a deterrent against discrimination but also as a reminder of the importance of empathy, respect, and inclusivity in public service delivery. It highlights the collective responsibility of individuals and organizations to ensure that environments are accessible and welcoming to people of all abilities.
