Lagos airport authorities shut KFC branch after it refuses to serve disabled customer

LAGOS airport officials have shut down the fast food outlet KFC's branch at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport after it refused to serve a disabled customer saying wheelchairs were not allowed into its premises.

Earlier this week, Adebola Daniel, the sin of former Ogun State governor Gbenga Daniels, was denied access to the outlet because he was in a wheelchair.  According to Mt Daniel, the restaurant stopped him and his family from entering the facility, stating that no wheelchairs were allowed in.

Mr Daniels said: “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 Mohammed 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, Obiageli Orah, the spoke4swoman for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, said the regulator had investigated the matter and made their decision. She added that the shutdown of the KFC store will take effect from March 28.

Ms Orah said: “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 Mohammed 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 Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.”

Similarly, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), condemned the discrimination against Mr Daniel. FCCPC’s chief executive Adamu Abdullahi, said the commission strongly condemns any form of discrimination against consumers, especially those based on disability.

Mr Abdullahi said the commission would work with relevant authorities to ensure appropriate redress for the aggrieved consumer. He added that the commission would also ensure KFC took full responsibility for its actions.

Meanwhile, KFC has apologised to Mr Daniel over the discriminatory treatment, saying it expressed deep regret for the distress experienced by the customer and pledged swift action to address the issue. KFC reiterated its commitment to opposing bias or discrimination in any shape or form, with inclusivity and respect as fundamental principles of its values.