The NAFDAC Head of Investigation and Enforcement, Federal Taskforce, Embugushiki-Musa Godiya, also said the agency would work to ensure that fake cosmetics and other counterfeit products were completely wiped out of the country.
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KFC tenders apology, as Nigerians differ on FAAN shutdown of outlet
By Seun Ibiyemi
Mixed reactions have continued to trail the shutdown of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), a global fast-food restaurant chain, facility in the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) over alleged discriminatory treatment of a passenger.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Thursday in a statement signed by Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah, and made available to newsmen in Lagos, said that the shutdown would be effective March 28 in line with the Lagos State law on people with Special Needs, Part C,Section 55 of the General Provisions on Discrimination.
She stated that the law stipulated thus: “A person shall not deprive another person of access to any place, vehicle or facility that members of the public are entitled to enter or use on the basis of the disability of that person.”
Orah said that the shutdown was as a result of a social media report by a Passenger with Reduced Mobility (PRM), alleging discriminatory treatment he received at the MMIA, Lagos According to the statement, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, intervened.
It stated that Kuku had swiftly deployed a management team comprising 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, to investigate the allegation no.
Orah said that it was based on the findings of the team that FAAN had shut down the facility where the incident occurred.
She said that the Authority had instructed the KFC Management to tender an unreserved apology, in writing, to the affected PRM.
Also, a policy statement of non-discrimination be written and pasted conspicuously at the door post of their facility at MMIA before it resumes operation.
“FAAN uses this medium to express our unreserved apology to the affected PRM and assures all airport users that we shall continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the rights of every passenger are not infringed upon,” it read.
Reactions
KFC Nigeria in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), expressed its commitment to inclusivity and respect as non-negotiable pillars of their values.
“This recent incident has underscored the pressing need for immediate action,” it said.
“We have embarked on efforts to address the situation. We deeply regret the frustration and distress experienced by our guest and extend sincere apologies to those affected.”
KFC had also announced plans to urgently implement inclusivity training for all its employees to prevent similar incidents.
Also the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has condemned the discrimination against Mr Debola Daniel, a rights advocate, by a fast-food outlet, KFC, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, due to his physical state.
Daniel, son of a former Ogun State Governor and serving senator for Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, shared his ordeal in a series of tweets on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday.
Daniel recounted how he, along with his family, was publicly humiliated when the manager of the KFC outlet declared to them when he entered the facility, ‘NO WHEELCHAIRS ALLOWED.’
The FCCPC, in a statement by its acting Executive Vice Chairman, Dr Adamu Abdullahi, in Abuja, on Thursday, said the commission would work with relevant authorities to ensure appropriate redress for the aggrieved consumer.
Abdullahi said the commission would also ensure that the KFC outlet took full responsibility for their action.
He said that Section 17 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), emphasises the obligation to eliminate practices detrimental to competition and consumer welfare to safeguard consumer interests.
Abdullahi said that discriminatory actions, such as those witnessed at the KFC outlet, undermined their principles and would not be tolerated.
“Discrimination against persons with disability is not only unlawful but also inhumane and contrary to the values that we, as a society, hold dear.
“The FCCPC commends the swift action reportedly taken by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria in shutting down the KFC outlet.
“We fully support its directive for the restaurant to issue a written apology to the affected individual and implement a clear non-discrimination policy displayed prominently for all customers.
“We will closely monitor developments and take appropriate actions in accordance with the provisions of the FCCPA.
“This incident serves as a reminder to all businesses operating in Nigeria that consumer protection laws apply equally, regardless of a customer’s ability,” he said.
Abdullahi said the commission remained steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that all consumers, irrespective of their physical abilities, were treated with dignity and respect.
The commission encouraged consumers who had faced similar discriminatory practices to come forward and report them through their designated channels.
“We stand firm in our commitment to promoting a fair and inclusive marketplace for all Nigerians.
“The commission will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure that the rights of consumers, including those with disability, are upheld and protected,” he said.
Some other reactions from the social media platform considered the closing of the KFC outlet too stringent.
According to @ayampeky, “Emotional blackmail! What happened to you have been happening to many other Nigerians. Some have been beaten and kicked like dogs, you’ll see but ignore because it’s none of your business. Someone told you to leave because of a company rules and you’re making it about yourself.
“You would’ve left quietly and looked for another spot if really you do not like clout as you say. Every Nigerian is disabled, you’re not more special than those dying of hunger everyday due to bad politicians of which your father is a coven member.”
@NDrAgwoTurumbe, on the other hand, noted, “ I am sorry for what you experienced. The question that needs answering is how many other Nigerians who were ‘nobodies’ have been denied the simple act of taking a meal from that outlet?
“I commend your speaking up and use of ur influence to make a difference. We can do better.”
@tosinsofolarin said, “I do not condone what kfc did. It must not be acceptable in our society. But shutting kfc down because of the incident is a bit OTT.
“If it happened to an ordinary man’s son, would u av shut it down ? But because it happened to Gbenga Daniel’s son, u had to shut it down!”
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Invoke executive order for state, LG police, Afenifere tells Tinubu
The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Afenifere, on Saturday, urged President Bola Tinubu to invoke an Executive Order for the establishment of state and local government Police.
Afenifere, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi,in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, also called for the erection of close-circuit television sets and deployment of modern technology for security purposes in strategic locations to end insecurity.
Ajayi said, “There are indications that Tinubu is desirous of putting an end to this deleterious menace. Towards the end of January this year, he approved the procurement of digital tracking tools to enhance the apprehension of bandits, terrorists and armed robbers.
“On Monday, April 22, this year, he used the occasion of addressing participants at the African Counter-Terrorism Summit which opened on that day in Abuja to assure everyone of his government’s readiness to ensure greater security. Unfortunately, recent happenings have not shown that the President’s desire in this respect is being worked upon.
“President Tinubu should get state and local government police off the ground immediately through the invocation of an Executive Order while the process of amending the Constitution continues.
“Close circuit television sets, deployment of modern technology for security purposes including drones must be effected immediately.”
He explained that the statement was motivated by the recent reports of banditry and kidnapping in Ogun, Edo, Ekiti, Oyo, Kogi, Zamfara and Niger States, respectively which made a research organization declare Nigeria as one of the top nations where kidnap ranks highest globally.
Ajayi noted that Fulani herders and farmers’ clashes kept occurring in Osun, Ondo and Oyo State; Otu, Igbeti and Alaga in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State were the latest victims.
The Afenifere spokesperson also said, “In order to end insecurity, enhance people’s welfare and ensure the sustenance of Nigeria as one of the top investment destinations in Africa as desired by the government, there is the urgent need by the Federal Government and security agencies to be more innovative and decisive.”
He lamented that banditry, including armed robbery, kidnapping was still occurring on South-West roads such as Lagos-Ibadan, Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode; Akure-Ilesa-Ibadan; Ore-Ijebu Ode-Lagos, Ikirun-Osogbo-Ilesa; Lokoja-Abuja, Owo-Benin and Ibadan-Iseyin-Saki.
“Latest reports have it that on Monday, May 13 instant, eight cocoa farmers were kidnapped at Marindoti Cocoa Farmers’ settlement in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State. Three students of Millicent Secondary School in the same area on their way to write their Senior Secondary School Examination, were also kidnapped at the same time.
“A sum of N31 million was reportedly paid to ransom three people who were kidnapped at Longe village on Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road last week Sunday. On Thursday, May 16, one Seliat Adeniji (nee Raji) was kidnapped in her Ebedi home in Iseyin, Oyo State. Her guard was killed in the process.
“Hon Bello Hassan representing Zurmi/Shinkafi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives last Tuesday claimed that terrorists have sacked about 50 communities and abducted over 500 people in his area of Zamfara State as bandits overran Zurmi, the second most populous town in the state killing palace officers as well as policemen.”
To put a serious check on all these, the Afenifere spokesman said that there was an urgent need to dig deep into the roots of the menace and to be decisive in applying the necessary measures.
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NAFDAC shuts cosmetic shops in Lagos, seizes counterfeit products
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has shut three shops and raided others during a clampdown on the sale of unregistered “Dr. Teal’s” brand of cosmetics in Lagos State.
The agency disclosed this in a post on its X handle on Saturday, stating that the action came after a complaint from the trademark holder.
The statement read, “NAFDAC has shut down three cosmetics shops and raided others, targeting the sale of unregistered ‘Dr. Teal’s’ brand cosmetics. This action follows a complaint from the trademark holder regarding potential counterfeit products.
“Two suspected shops along Excellent Line at the Trade Fair Complex were targeted, resulting in sealed shops and invitation letters issued to attendants.”
It added that another development unfolded at Okas Global Link Limited where NAFDAC confiscated over 200 cartons of various Dr. Teal’s products and other unregistered cosmetics, suspecting them to be the source of distribution.
A shop identified as Cubana Stores at Phil Hallmark Plaza was also reported to have been sealed for stocking and selling the moisturising body and bath products of the alleged unregistered Dr. Teal’s brand.
NAFDAC added that according to its regulations, shop owners found guilty of selling unregistered products face penalties of up to ₦5m fine.
It said shop owners were also being questioned as part of ongoing investigations.
In the statement, the agency emphasised the health risks associated with fake cosmetics, stating the potential dangers of using products containing harmful substances.
News
Traders, soldiers clash at Banex Plaza in Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has deployed intelligence officers to Banex – an electronics and telecommunications gadgets market, in Abuja following a conflict that ensued between soldiers and some traders on Saturday.
A viral video seen by our correspondent on X on Saturday showed a multitude of civilians overpowering some soldiers during a free-for-all fight at Banex.
The Defence Headquarters, and the spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, Onyema Nwachukwu could not be reached for comments as of press time.
Meanwhile, a trader who simply identified himself as Abdul, told our correspondent on Saturday that the conflict ensued over the sale of a mobile phone.
“There’s a problem at Banex now. Some soldiers came to complain about a phone, and during an argument with the traders, a fight ensued,” Abdul simply revealed.
When contacted over the development, the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh said the Commissioner of Police, Benett Igweh has deployed officers of the FCT Intelligence Response Team to the scene of the incident.
“The CP has deployed the Intelligence Response Team to the scene,” Adeh confirmed.
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