The National Commission for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD) has asked the Nigerian management of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), an international fast food chain, to attend an investigative panel.
This request comes after a recent incident at a KFC branch at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, which led to the closing of the facility by FAAN.
Debola Daniel, the son of Gbenga Daniel, a senator and former governor of Ogun State, was denied entry with his family because they were in wheelchairs.
“Just as we were about to sit, the lady at the till—wwho was apparently the manager—ccalled 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 the closure of an outlet due to the mistreatment of Daniel.
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) summoned KFC, with the notice being provided to journalists on March 29 by Ikem Uchegbulam, the director of enforcement and compliance at NCPWD.
James Lalu, the executive secretary of NCPWD, has instructed a panel to address the issue appropriately, stating that the incident goes against the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities 2018 (Prohibition) Act.
“The issue of discrimination is very serious and cannot be taken with levity irrespective of whoever is involved,” Lalu said.
A meeting has been scheduled for April 4 at the commission’s office in Abuja, which will be open to the press.
