FAAN shuts down KFC outlet at Lagos airport over discrimination

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has closed the KFC outlet at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.

FAAN’s spokesperson, Obiageli Orah, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

The closure follows a complaint by a customer in a wheelchair, alleging discriminatory treatment he received at the airport by officials of the KFC outlet.

Orah said FAAN management intervened swiftly by deploying a management team comprising the Director, of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the Regional Manager of South West, the General Manager of Public Affairs, and the International Terminal Manager, to investigate the allegation.

Orah disclosed that the outcome of FAAN’s findings informed the decision to close the KFC facility where the incident occurred.

The FAAN official said the actions of the KFC outlets violate Lagos State law.

Orah quoted 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.”

She added that FAAN has instructed the KFC Management to tender “an unreserved apology” in writing to the affected PRM.

“A policy statement of non-discrimination be written and pasted conspicuously at the door post of their facility at MMIA before it resumes operation,” Orah said.

FAAN, however, apologised to the affected passenger and assured airport users that it will ensure that their rights are not infringed upon.