Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) Nigeria has issued an apology after the country’s airport authority shut down one of its outlets over the alleged discrimination of a disabled client.
The internationally renowned company has publicly apologized for the treatment towards a disabled man who went to seek services in one of its restaurants.
Adebola Daniel who is the son of a former Nigerian state governor Gbenga Daniel, shared a post where he stated that he was ordered to leave a KFC outlet at Lagos airport because of his wheelchair.
“Today I felt less than human, like a guard dog not allowed into the house. Lonely and isolated,” he shared on X.
The post sparked widespread outrage hence prompting an investigation by the federal airport authority.
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In a long thread, Daniel described the incident as the worst sort of public humiliation he had ever experienced.
KFC Issues Apology
The alleged incident took place at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos which is Nigeria’s busiest airport.
Daniel alleged that the manager denied him service despite pledges from his wife and two brothers, who had accompanied him.
“She refused to listen to reason and stood her ground that at KFC Murtala Muhammed branch, wheelchairs and wheelchair users of all shapes and sizes were not permitted in the premises and we should leave immediately,” he said.
In response to the incident, KFC Nigeria shared a post sending an apology to the victims. The company also announced measures to address the situation, including training its employees on inclusion and empathetic customer service.
“We deeply regret the frustration and distress experienced by our guest and extend sincere apologies to those affected,” KFC shared on X.
KFC also promised to remain committed to standing against bias or discrimination in any form, with inclusivity and respect.
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Additionally, the company noted that the incident underscored the pressing need for immediate action.
“In response, we are urgently implementing inclusion training for all our employees. This incident is not reflective of our standards, and we will act swiftly to rectify it,” KFC added.
“We are actively exploring actions to equip our team members and restaurants better to ensure that every guest feels genuinely welcomed and that we deliver empathetic customer service that proactively addresses the diverse needs of each guest.”