Everybody deserves equal and right treatment especially from vendors, service providers without fear of molestation, discrimination.
This is the summary of the message being spread out there by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) following the saga of the customer care representatives who denied the duty of care and utterly discriminated against a person living with disability who had sought the service at one of the KFC outlet located at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, few days ago.
Expectedly, the Commission called on consumers who have faced similar discriminatory practices to come forward and report the incidents through their designated channels stressing that it stands firm in their commitment to promoting a fair and inclusive marketplace for all Nigerians.
According to Dr. Adamu Abdullahi, the Acting Director General of the Agency, “The FCCPC strongly condemns any form of discrimination against consumers, especially those based on disability.”
In a statement, Dr. Abdullahi explained that Section 17 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) outlines the functions of the Commission, emphasising the obligation to eliminate practices detrimental to competition and consumer welfare, and to safeguard consumer interests adding that discriminatory actions, such as those witnessed at the KFC outlet, undermine these principles and will not be tolerated.
“Under the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, Section 1 unequivocally prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in any manner or circumstance. The FCCPC, mandated by the FCCPA, is duty-bound to enforce all enactments aimed at protecting consumers, including those with disabilities.”
The Federal Agency stated that discrimination against persons with disabilities is not only unlawful but also inhumane and contrary to the values that we, as a society, hold dear.
“Our team will work closely with relevant authorities to ensure appropriate redress for the aggrieved consumer in this case, as well as ensure that the KFC outlet in question takes full responsibility for its actions,” stated the DG.
The FCCPC also commended the swift action reportedly taken by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in shutting down the KFC outlet. “We fully support its directive for the restaurant to issue a written apology to the affected individual and implement a clear non-discrimination policy displayed prominently for all customers. We will closely monitor developments and take appropriate actions in accordance with the provisions of the FCCPA.”
A prominent disability rights advocate in Nigeria, Debola Daniel, has narrated how he endured humiliation at a KFC outlet, a fast-food joint, at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos due to his disability.
Mr Daniel, son of former Ogun State Governor and serving senator for Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, shared his ordeal in a series of tweets on X account on Thursday, of how he faced discrimination as a wheelchair user.
“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 said.
Despite embracing his disability as part of his identity, Mr Daniel said he felt compelled to speak out against the injustice he encountered.
He further recounted how he, along with his family, was publicly humiliated when the manager of the KFC outlet declared, “NO WHEELCHAIRS ALLOWED.”
In response to the incident, Mr Daniel’s wife and brother revisited the KFC outlet to confront the manager, recording their conversation. The manager reiterated the discriminatory policy, leaving Mr Daniel feeling dehumanised and marginalised.
“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 @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’s Response
In a statement on X, KFC Nigeria expressed its commitment to inclusivity and respect for all customers. Acknowledging the severity of the incident, the fast-food company issued a formal apology to Mr Daniel, expressing deep regret for the distress he experienced.
Furthermore, KFC, reportedly owned by an American, announced plans to conduct sensitivity training for all employees to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The company emphasised that discrimination, in any form, is unacceptable and does not align with its values. “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 and extend apologies and deeply regret the frustration and distress experienced by our guest.”
FAAN speaks
Following allegations of disability discrimination at the KFC outlet at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, the public affairs department of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) initiated an investigation.
Earlier in a statement on X, the Authority confirmed their active engagement with KFC management. They expressed a commitment to ensuring compliance with established guidelines and regulations, demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing discrimination allegations.
