Following the shutting down of its Muritala Muhammed International outlet by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), QSR brand, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) has taken to its X social media handle to react to the unfolding issue around it’s reported discrimination against one Debola Daniel.
Reacting about two hours ago, it wrote, “We are an organisation with a big heart. We embrace you as you are. We celebrate our differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment, along the dimensions of (entire self) race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies that encourage everyone to bring their best self.
“Diversity and Inclusion is alive and runs through everything we do. We allow our people to find their voice, to be vulnerable and to have courage. We are as honest and real as our food – imperfectly perfect.”
FAAN had shut down the KFC outlet in Lagos, hours after Debola Daniels, the son of Sen. Gbenga Daniel, revealed that he was denied access to the facility because of his wheelchair on his social media page.
In a statement signed by Obiageli Orah, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, earlier today, the federal government agency revealed that it’s action is in line with the Lagos State law on People with Special Needs, Part C, section 55 of General Provisions on Discrimination which states “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 statement also stated that the MD/CE of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku had intervened swiftly by deploying a management team comprising the Director, of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah; The Regional Manager of South West, Sunday Ayodele; Ag. General Manager Public Affairs, Ijeoma Nwosu-Igbo and the International Terminal Manager, Kerri, to investigate the allegation.
It reads, “The Authority has instructed that the KFC Management should tender an unreserved apology, in writing, to the affected PRM and a policy statement of non-discrimination be written and pasted conspicuously at the door post of their facility at MMIA before it resumes operation. FAAN uses this medium to express our unreserved apology to the affected Passenger with Reduced Mobility and assures all airport users that we shall continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the rights of every passenger are not infringed upon.
“It is based on the findings of the team that FAAN has shut down the KFC facility at the MMA, where the incident occurred. 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.”
Demola Daniels who reported the incident on his social media page on 27 March 2024, wrote, “Being disabled often rolls over my spirit, leaving behind a trail of shattered dignity and forgotten humanity, nowhere more so than in Nigeria.
“I have never been the type of person to make a fuss or complain about my disability. My approach has always been “laissez-faire”. Ultimately, it is what it is. It is a part of my identity and like everyone else, I have my days of self-doubt and confusion as to how/if I fit in society. To be disabled in Nigeria is to be undesirable, unwelcome and unaccepted. As I’ve said before, it’s a lonely, scary and isolated place.
“Never has this been more true than it has ever been today when I faced the worst sort of public humiliation that I have ever experienced. To think that this happened at an international brand (KFC) at an international airport – Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagosis unthinkable.
“I arrived at the airport as normal for my Virgin Atlantic flight to London. Today I chose what a colossal mistake. I entered the restaurant with 4 other travel companions consisting of my brothers and wife. The security personnel at KFC, Samuel, greeted me by name as I’ve been there multiple times. Just as we were about to sit, the lady at the till – who was the manager-called out loudly, “NO WHEELCHAIRS ALLOWED”
“Our group paused in confusion, before my brother, Taiwa asked what she meant. She refused to listen to reason6/10 and stood her ground that at the KFC Murtala Muhammed branch, wheelchairs and wheelchair users of all shapes and sizes were not permitted on the premises and we should leave immediately.
“My siblings and wife became instantly irate and proceeded to debate her position with her, ultimately cumulating in raised voices and strong verbal protests. If there’s one thing I he more than anything in this life is to create a scene. I detest it. I do not like to draw attention to myself and as such I began pleading with my people that we should just leave.
“My wife took some video footage and my brothers took some pictures. There were at least 5 other witnesses at the scene, who tried to intervene as things unfolded. Eventually, our party departed to another lounge upset and quite frankly pissed off.”
That KFC staff and her management just made major gaffes. I guess other service providers across all service sectors of the Nigerian economy would learn from this.