The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has taken decisive action against a branch of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) located at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos State.
The closure came in response to allegations of discrimination against a physically-challenged individual, Adebola Daniel, son of former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel.
FAAN’s swift response underscores its commitment to upholding the rights of all airport users, particularly those with special needs.
Details of the Incident:
According to reports, Adebola Daniel, a wheelchair user, recounted his distressing experience at the KFC outlet via social media. He described how he, along with his wife and brothers, was denied entry into the establishment on the grounds of his disability. Despite attempts to reason with the outlet’s management, they were met with refusal and hostility, leading to a public altercation.
FAAN’s Response:
In response to Daniel’s social media report, FAAN promptly launched an investigation into the matter. Following their findings, FAAN announced the closure of the KFC outlet at MMIA, citing violations of Lagos State laws on discrimination against people with special needs.
The authority also demanded a written apology from KFC management to the affected individual and instructed the implementation of a non-discrimination policy at the facility before its reopening.
KFC’s Apology and Commitment to Change:
In light of the incident, KFC issued a public apology via social media, expressing regret for the distress caused to Daniel and his companions. The food outlet pledged to undertake sensitivity training for its employees and reiterated its commitment to inclusivity and respect for all customers.
Community Response:
The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) also condemned the discriminatory behavior exhibited at the KFC outlet. The agency emphasized the importance of treating individuals with disabilities with dignity and respect, promising to take action against any form of discrimination.
Conclusion
The closure of the KFC outlet at MMIA serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and equal treatment for all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities.
FAAN’s proactive response sets a precedent for addressing discrimination in public spaces, while KFC’s commitment to change signals a step towards fostering a more inclusive environment for customers with special needs.