The House of Representatives Committee on Disability Affairs has condemned the recent restriction of access against Mr Adebola Daniel, son of former governor of Ogun state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, by the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos outlet of the KFC.
The action had sparked widespread reactions after Daniel expressed his disappointment through the social media on being denied access because he was on a wheelchair and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), ordering immediate closure of the outlet.
Reacting to the development during a media briefing in Abuja Tuesday, chairman of the House Committee, Hon. Bashiru Dawodu, stated that the panel has commenced investigation into the matter, adding that the action was in breach of the Disability Act of 2018.
“As the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Disability Matters, I strongly condemn such actions. Denying individuals with disabilities access to public spaces is not only disrespectful but also undermines ongoing efforts to implement the Disability Act. And the committee is duty bound to investigate this issue and other related matters.
“The case of Mr Adebola Daniel is one in millions of other unreported cases of such abuses and injustices against people with disabilities. This will no longer be tolerated by the governments at all levels. Any establishment within shore of our country, irrespective of owners’ status should take note. Enough is enough.
“The Discrimination against People with Disabilities Prohibition Act 2018, passed by the National Assembly, aims to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities. However, compliance with this act has been lacking since the grace period ended in January,” the lawmaker said.
Fielding questions from journalists, Dawodu debunked insinuations that the committee was getting involved because of the status of the victims, but rather to correct the wrong practice of discrimination against Persons With Disabilities (PWDs),adding that, “if Adebola’s case would help us address the problem, so be it”.
