BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
In an action aimed at respecting and upholding the rights of persons with disabilities and special needs, the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has shut the KFC outlet at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos with effect from March 28, 2024.
FAAN, in a statement, said the move followed a social media report by a Passenger with Reduced Mobility (PRM), who alleged discriminatory treatment at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
To get to the bottom of the matter, the FAAN Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, deployed 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”, the statement added.
FAAN further explained that its action drew strength from the 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 authority also tendered an unreserved apology to the affected and assured all airport users that it will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the rights of every passenger are not infringed upon.
