The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has taken decisive action in response to allegations of discrimination against a Passenger with Reduced Mobility (PRM) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos State.
In a statement released on Thursday, FAAN announced the closure of a branch of the popular food outlet, KFC, located within the airport premises. This move underscores FAAN’s commitment to upholding the rights of all passengers, regardless of their abilities.
The decision to close the KFC facility comes after a PRM shared their experience of discriminatory treatment on social media.
The individual reported encountering barriers to accessibility at the airport, which is in violation of the Lagos State law on People with Special Needs, specifically Part C, Section 55, which prohibits discrimination based on disability.
FAAN, recognizing the seriousness of the allegations, promptly launched an investigation to address the issue.
Under the leadership of FAAN’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, a management team was swiftly deployed to investigate the matter.
The team, comprised of key personnel including the Director of 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, conducted a thorough inquiry into the incident.
Based on the findings of the investigative team, FAAN took the necessary action to close the KFC outlet at MMIA, where the discriminatory incident occurred.
Furthermore, FAAN has instructed the management of KFC to issue a written, unreserved apology to the affected PRM. Additionally, the Authority has mandated that KFC post a policy statement of non-discrimination conspicuously at the entrance of their facility at MMIA before resuming operations.
In issuing this directive, FAAN reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that the rights of all airport users, especially vulnerable populations such as PRMs, are protected. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated within the airport premises, and FAAN remains dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and accessible environment for all passengers.
FAAN acknowledges the importance of addressing instances of discrimination swiftly and effectively.
The Authority extends its sincerest apologies to the affected PRM and assures all airport users that measures will be put in place to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the futur
AAN remains resolute in its mission to uphold the highest standards of inclusivity and accessibility at all Nigerian airports, and will continue to work tirelessly towards this goal.
