It was closed down with immediate effect from Thursday,
March 28, 2024, according to a statement by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs
and Consumer Protection Obiageli Orah.
“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 the Federal Airports
Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has closed the KFC facility at the Murtala Muhammed
International Airport in Lagos with effect from March 28, 2024,” the statement
read.
“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.”
FAAN said it had instructed, “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”.
‘A Colossal Mistake’
Adebola Daniel, who is the victim and the son of a former
Ogun State governor, Gbenga Daniel, narrated his experience at the KFC outlet
in a series of posts on his X handle.
He described it as “the worst sort of public humiliation” he
had ever faced.
“Today I chose KFC – what a colossal mistake. I entered the
restaurant with 4 other travel companions consisting of my brothers and wife,”
part of his post read.
“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 apparently the manager – called out loudly, ‘NO WHEELCHAIRS
ALLOWED’.”
‘Unwavering In Our Stance’
But KFC said the treatment does not reflect its standards
and will act swiftly to rectify it”.
“KFC is unwavering in our stance against bias or
discrimination in any form, with inclusivity and respect as non-negotiable
pillars of our values. However, this recent incident has underscored the
pressing need for immediate action. We have embarked on efforts to address the
situation,” KFC Nigeria wrote on its X platform Thursday afternoon.
“We deeply regret the frustration and distress experienced
by our guest and extend sincere apologies to those affected. In response, we
are urgently implementing inclusion training for all our employees. This
incident is not reflective of our standards, and we will act swiftly to rectify
it. We are actively exploring actions to equip our team members and restaurants
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.”
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