The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has closed the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, effective from March 28, 2024.
The action is in accordance with Lagos State law on People with Special Needs, Part C, section 55 of General Provisions on Discrimination, which prohibits depriving individuals with disabilities of access to public places, vehicles or facilities.
The decision came after a passenger with reduced mobility (PRM) reported discriminatory treatment at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos via social media.
The managing director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku promptly intervened by deploying a management team to investigate the allegation. The team, led by the director of public affairs and consumer protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah along with other senior officials, conducted a thorough investigation into the matter.
Based on the team’s findings, FAAN has taken the decision to shut down the KFC facility at MMIA, where the incident occurred. Additionally, FAAN has instructed the management of KFC to issue an unreserved written apology to the affected PRM and to prominently display a policy statement of non-discrimination at the entrance of their facility at MMIA before resuming operations.
FAAN’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, Mrs. Orah expressed the organisation’s sincere apology to the affected passenger with reduced mobility. She assured all airport users that FAAN remains committed to upholding the rights of every passenger and will continue working tirelessly to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
The swift action taken by FAAN underscores its commitment to ensuring equal access and non-discrimination for all passengers, including those with disabilities, at Nigerian airports. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the rights and dignity of every individual and FAAN remains steadfast in its efforts to uphold these principles.
