Mrs Arinola Ajeyileka, a disabled Nigerian businesswoman, has called on the Nigerian government and the aviation minister to address what she described as discriminatory treatment by Emirates.
Seated in a wheelchair at an airport in Guangzhou, China, Mrs Ajeyileka recounted her ordeal in a video obtained by BONews.
She explained that she travelled from Lagos to Guangzhou with her mobility scooter, which is essential for her independence. However, Emirates refused to accommodate the scooter as she prepared for her return journey.
“I came in on this scooter to China, but to my surprise, they said they won’t take it,” she stated in the video. “This is how they treat Nigerians badly; I need the intervention of the government to please do something about this.”
Mrs Ajeyileka, who runs a business to avoid being a “liability” in her country, expressed her frustration at the lack of accessibility and sensitivity she has experienced while flying with multiple airlines.
“This is very frustrating. I’m only trying to make a living out of my life. I don’t want to be a burden to my country Nigeria. Somebody should do something about it, please,” she pleaded.
She also alleged that the discriminatory treatment of Nigerians is a widespread issue, citing similar challenges with other airlines like Turkish Airlines. “Nigerians are being treated badly all over the world. This is the peak of it,” she said.
The video has sparked outrage on social media, with many users demanding action from the Nigerian government and aviation authorities to address the systemic mistreatment of Nigerians abroad, particularly those with disabilities.
As of the time of this report, neither Emirates Airline nor the Nigerian aviation ministry has commented on the incident.
Watch it here: