The House of Representatives Committee on Disabilities has summoned the management of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) following allegations of unfair treatment towards Adebola Daniel, a person living with a disability and son of former Ogun state governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel.
Chairman of the committee, Bashiru Ayinla, disclosed this during a briefing with House of Representatives correspondents at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Tuesday.
Ayinla, a member of the All Progressives Congress representing Oshodi/Isolo-1 Federal Constituency, Lagos State, vowed that the committee would ensure accountability for any breaches of the Disability Act.
Adebola Daniel, a wheelchair user, reportedly faced discrimination when he was denied entry to the KFC outlet at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos last week, with the manager allegedly stating, “No wheelchair allowed.”
Addressing the incident, Ayinla emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “The discriminatory incident highlighted by Mr. Daniel’s public account sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in Nigeria.”
He continued, “The treatment Mr. Daniel received is unacceptable and goes against the principles of inclusivity and respect. It is a violation of the Disability Act.”
Daniel had shared his ordeal at the KFC outlet through a series of tweets on his social media handle, @DebolaDaniel, expressing his dismay at the discrimination faced by people with disabilities in Nigeria.
Ayinla underscored the importance of enforcing the Discrimination against People with Disabilities Prohibition Act 2018, stressing the need for compliance with provisions ensuring access to public spaces, employment quotas, and welfare promotion for persons with disabilities.
“The House Committee is committed to engaging with communities to kick-start the full implementation of the Disability Act,” Ayinla affirmed.