Discrimination against Gbenga Daniel’s son: FAAN shuts KFC at Lagos airport

Following the discrimination against Adebola Daniel, son of Gbenga Daniel, former governor of Ogun State, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has shut down the Kentucky Fried Chicken, KFC, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos.

On March 27, Adebola Daniel posted on his official X page about his experience at KFC, MMIA branch.

According to Daniel, the restaurant had stopped him and his family from entering, stating that ‘no wheelchairs were allowed’.

“Just as we were about to sit, the lady at the till, who was the manager, called out loudly, ‘No Wheelchairs Allowed’.

“She refused to listen to reason and stood her ground that at KFC, Nigeria Murtala Muhammed Airport branch, wheelchairs and wheelchair users of all shapes and sizes were not permitted on the premises and we should leave immediately.

“I have never been the type of person to make a fuss or complain about my disability.”

Reacting to the development, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, Obiageli Orah, said the authority had investigated the matter and made their decision.

Orah added that the shutdown will take effect from March 28.

The statement reads: “In line with Lagos State law on people with special needs, Part C, section 55 of General Provisions on Discrimination, which states that, ‘A person shall not deprive another person of access to any place, vehicle or facility that members of the public are entitled to enter or use based on the disability of that person.

“The management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has closed the KFC facility at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos from March 28, 2024.

“This is as a result of a social media report by a Passenger with Reduced Mobility, PRM, alleging discriminatory treatment he received at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.”

Similarly, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, condemned the discrimination against Daniel.

FCCPC’s acting Executive Vice Chairman, EVC, and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Adamu Abdullahi, in a statement said the commission strongly condemns any form of discrimination against consumers, especially those based on disability.

Abdullahi said the commission would work with relevant authorities to ensure appropriate redress for the aggrieved consumer.

He said the commission would also ensure KFC took full responsibility for its actions.

He stated that Section 17 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), emphasises the obligation to eliminate practices detrimental to competition and consumer welfare to safeguard consumer interests.

Abdullahi said discriminatory actions, such as those witnessed at the KFC outlet, undermined their principles and would not be tolerated.

KFC apologises over the treatment

Meanwhile, the Fast-food chain has apologised to Adebola Daniel, over discriminatory treatment.

KFC, in a statement on its X page, expressed deep regret for the distress experienced by the customer and pledged swift action to address the issue.

Reacting to the accusation, KFC reiterated its commitment to opposing bias or discrimination in any shape or form, with inclusivity and respect as fundamental principles of its values.

The company, in a statement, said: “KFC is unwavering in our stance against bias or discrimination in any form, with inclusivity and respect as non-negotiable pillars of our values.

“However, this recent incident has underscored the pressing need for immediate action. We have embarked on efforts to address the situation.

“We deeply regret the frustration and distress experienced by our guest and extend sincere apologies to those affected.
“In response, we are urgently implementing inclusion training for all our employees. This incident is not reflective of our standards, and we will act swiftly to rectify it.

“We are actively exploring actions to equip our team members and restaurants better to ensure that every guest feels genuinely welcomed and that we deliver empathetic customer service that proactively addresses the diverse needs of each guest.”