The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has taken swift action in response to allegations of discriminatory treatment leveled against a KFC outlet at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.
Following a social media report by a Passenger with Reduced Mobility (PRM), FAAN has temporarily shut down operations of the KFC outlet.
In a statement issued by Mrs. Obiageli Orah, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, the decision to close the KFC facility was made in accordance with the Lagos State Law on People with Special Needs.
The statement emphasized the importance of ensuring accessibility and non-discrimination for individuals with disabilities.
According to the statement, FAAN has directed the management of KFC to issue an unreserved written apology to the affected PRM.
Additionally, FAAN mandated that KFC post a policy statement of non-discrimination conspicuously at the entrance of their facility at MMIA before resuming operations.
“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 on the basis of the disability of that person’, the management of FAAN has closed the KFC facility at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos with effect from March 28, 2024,“ the statement reads.
“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.
“The MD/CE of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku intervened swiftly by deploying a management team comprising the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah, the Regional Manager South-West, Mr Sunday Ayodele, Ag. General Manager Public Affairs, Mrs Ijeoma Nwosu-Igbo and the International Terminal Manager, Mr Kerri, to investigate the allegation.
“It is based on the findings of the team that FAAN has shut down the KFC facility at the MMA, where the incident occurred.
“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.”
