By Ojukwu Emmanuel Chiadikaobi
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has taken decisive action against a popular fast-food outlet, KFC, located at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos State. The move comes in response to allegations of discrimination against a physically-challenged individual, Adebola Daniel, son of former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel.
In an official statement released on Thursday, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, announced the closure of the KFC branch, citing violations of Lagos State laws protecting the rights of people with disabilities. The closure directive follows a social media report by Daniel, detailing his experience of discriminatory treatment at the airport.
According to the statement, FAAN’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, promptly initiated an investigation into the matter. A team comprising key FAAN officials, including Mrs. Orah and Mr. Sunday Ayodele, Regional Manager South West, was deployed to assess the situation.
Based on the team’s findings, FAAN decided to close the KFC outlet where the incident occurred. Additionally, FAAN has demanded an unreserved written apology from KFC management to the affected passenger and mandated the display of a policy statement on non-discrimination at the facility before resuming operations.
Adebola Daniel, the victim of the discrimination, took to Twitter to share his ordeal, describing it as “the worst sort of public humiliation” he had ever experienced. Daniel, who uses a wheelchair, recounted the incident which occurred during his planned trip from Lagos to London via Virgin Atlantic. He highlighted his previous familiarity with airport procedures as a frequent traveler and his routine visits to the Oasis lounge while awaiting flights.
FAAN reiterated its commitment to upholding the rights of all passengers and expressed regret over the incident. The authority assured airport users of its continuous efforts to prevent any infringement on passengers’ rights.
The closure of the KFC outlet serves as a reminder of the importance of adherence to laws protecting the rights of people with disabilities, both within airports and across public facilities in Nigeria.