Sophia Michaels
The National Commission for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD) has summoned the Nigerian management of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), a global fast-food restaurant chain, to appear before an investigative panel of inquiry.
This follows a recent case of discriminatory practice at a KFC outlet at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, against Debola Daniel, who is the son of Gbenga Daniel, senator representing Ogun east senatorial district and former governor of Ogun state.
Daniel had narrated that the restaurant had stopped him and his family from gaining access, stating that “no wheelchairs were allowed”.
“Just as we were about to sit, the lady at the till — who was apparently the manager — called out loudly, ‘No Wheelchairs Allowed’,” he posted.
“She refused to listen to reason and stood her ground that at @kfcnigeria Murtala Muhammed branch, wheelchairs and wheelchair users of all shapes and sizes were not permitted in the premises and we should leave immediately.
“I have never been the type of person to make a fuss or complain about my disability.”
On March 28, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announced that it had shut down the outlet over the treatment meted to Daniel.
NCPWD’s summon to KFC was reportedly made available to journalists on March 29, in a correspondence signed by Ikem Uchegbulam, NCPWD’s director of enforcement and compliance department.
James Lalu, executive secretary of NCPWD, has directed that the panel should deal with the issue accordingly.
“The issue of discrimination is very serious and cannot be taken with levity irrespective of whoever is involved,” Lalu said.
Lalu said the incident negates the provisions of section 1 of the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities 2018 (Prohibition) Act.
The meeting is scheduled for April 4, at the commission’s office in Abuja and will be covered by the press.
