KFC: Disdain for disability and a parliamentary probe in limbo | INVESTIGATION

Matters have gone into an eerie silence in the widely condemned ill-treatment of a person with disability at a KFC outlet in Lagos. This is despite a parliamentary probe launched with much drama and efforts to get the HQ of the global food brand to redress the distasteful conduct of its licensee 

Months ago, Adebola Daniel, a young man with a disability, was denied access to Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), at the Lagos Airport in Nigeria. The incident got people talking, with debates and controversies on social media, but after the initial ‘eye service’, nothing has been heard from KFC global and the Nigerian government on this sensitive issue.

Context..

On March 27, 2024, Adebola Daniel, son of Senator Gbenga Daniel, a serving legislator and former governor of Ogun State, Nigeria, wrote on his X page about his experience at KFC, an outlet of the global fast food chain at the Lagos airport. 

According to him, the restaurant had stopped him and his family from gaining access because ‘no wheelchairs are allowed.’ This discriminatory treatment was met with shock and disbelief from many Nigerians who went on social media to express their outrage.

Following the action by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), which shut down the restaurant and demanded an apology from the company, KFC Nigeria eventually issued an apology  to the victim in a post on X (Twitter).

However, KFC faced criticism for this apology as Nigerians complained their questions were not answered in the statement.

The debate soon moved beyond accessibility and inclusion to the transparency and accountability of KFC’s sustainability claims, as published on their ‘parent’ company’s website, Yum! Brands. 

According to their website, they aim to make room for all people and voices at their tables by taking bigger, bolder steps to ensure that they reflect the customers and communities they serve in every corner of their business. However, Adebola’s experience suggests otherwise, and Nigerians are asking questions. 

It’s not a first…

Adebola’s experience is not an isolated incident. It is worthy of note that this form of social exclusion has happened countlessly in KFC’s outlets in different parts of the world. One reported in Canada, two reported in the UK answer one reported in the USA. These reports further raise eyebrows on KFC’s stance on Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and their rights.

The ongoing investigation…

In Nigeria, where disability rights are still a growing concern, this incident sparked calls for accountability from the government and advocacy groups.

Shortly after the incident, the Nigerian House of Representatives Committee on Disability extended an invitation to the brand for an investigative inquiry. The Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Bashiru Ayinla (APC, Lagos), detailed that this crime undermines the efforts of the Disability Act and won’t be tolerated any longer. “Enough is enough,” he said. 

According to the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability Act 2018, section 1(1) provides that “a person with disability shall not be discriminated against on the grounds of his disability…” (2) provides that “a person who contravenes subsection (1), commits an offence and is liable on conviction to,  if the person is – (a) a body corporate, a fine of N1,000,000; and (b) an individual, a fine of N100,000 or six months imprisonment or both.”

Furthermore, the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability Act 2018, section 4, provides that “a public building shall be constructed with the necessary accessibility aids such as lifts (where necessary), ramps and any other facility that shall make them accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities.”

Evidently, the law provides for fines and imprisonment for companies that discriminate against persons with disabilities, but it appears that these penalties are not being utilised.

What’s the 411?

Months have passed since Adebola’s story made headlines, but it seems like the quest for an equitable society has fizzled out.

Although KFC Nigeria tendered an apology to the victim, one would expect that  KFC global would say something about it to assure their customers of equity, inclusion and belonging as promised.

Despite multiple requests from OrderPaper Nigeria, KFC’s global headquarters has failed to address the issue, with the only response being an automated message. “ Thank you for contacting KFC Customer Care. We are always 100% committed to serving high-quality products and providing exceptional customer service, and we value your feedback to ensure that we meet these goals…”

OrderPaper Nigeria also reached out to the Committee Chairman, Rep. Bashiru Ayinla, to inquire about the status of the investigation after KFC failed to respond to their summons, but he has remained silent.

This raises questions about the lack of accountability from the company and government as sensitive issues seem to be laid to rest without resolution.

Will Adebola’s story become just another forgotten incident in a long line of stories of exclusion and discrimination? 

We will continue to monitor this investigation and bring you updates as it unfolds.