By Uche Amunike
The federal government has shut down the KFC Nigeria outlet at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, because of the ordeal experienced by Debola Daniel, son of a former Ogun State governor and serving senator, representing Ogun East, Mr. Gbenga Daniel, on Thursday because he is a wheel chair user.
Speaking, through series of tweets posted on his verified X account, Debola Daniel explained how he faced untold humiliation in the fast food outlet. His words: ‘Today, I felt less than human, like a guard dog not allowed into the house. Lonely and isolated.’
‘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 @kfcnigeria at an international airport – Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos – is unthinkable’, he posited.
Mr Daniel stated that he felt the need to speak up concerning the discrimination he encountered, even though he has always accepted his disability as a part of his identity. He recalled how humiliated he and his family members felt, as the manager of the airport’s KFC Nigeria outlet declared that wheelchairs are not allowed in their space.
He explained that the declaration made by the KFC manager about wheelchairs not being allowed and his other insensitive remarks came as a shock, especially as he was very familiar with airport procedures because of his constant trips. He condemned the systematic discrimination meted out to disabled individuals in the country, describing it as a solitary and daunting reality.
After this incident happened, Mr. Daniels wife and brother paid a return visit to the KFC Nigeria outlet and confronted the manager. This time, they recorded their conversation as the manager reiterated the discriminatory policy which left Mr. Daniel feeling dehumanized and marginalized.
He continued: ‘Our group paused in confusion, before my brother, Taiwo, asked what she meant. She refused to listen to reason and stood her ground that at @kfc @kfcnigeria Murtala Muhammed branch, wheelchairs and wheelchair users of all shapes and sizes were not permitted in the premises and we should leave immediately.’
‘My siblings and wife became instantly irate and proceeded to debate her position with her, ultimately culminating in raised voices and strong verbal protests. If there’s one thing I hate 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,’ he explained.
KFC Nigeria has however expressed their commitment to maintaining respect for all customers and inclusivity, via a statement on their official X handle. They apologized to Mr. Daniel, for the distress he experienced, emphasizing that discrimination in any form is unacceptable and does not align with its values. They also stated that they had instantly started a process that will address the situation. They further announced that they will conduct sensitivity training for every employee of KFC Nigeria, so as to avoid such incidents in the future. Hear them: ‘This incident is not reflective of our standards, and we will act swiftly to rectify it.’
‘We are actively exploring solutions to equip our team members and establishments better to ensure that every guest feels genuinely welcomed and that we deliver empathetic customer service that proactively addresses the diverse needs of each guest’, the statement read.
Meanwhile, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has, through a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, announced its decision to shut down the activities of KFC Nigeria after its findings, by following Lagos State Law on People with Special Needs.
She further stated: ‘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.’
