Nigerian entrepreneur alleges discrimination by Emirates Airline

Nigerian entrepreneur Margaret Arinola Adeyileka, a woman living with a disability, has accused Emirates Airline of discriminatory treatment after she was denied the use of her mobility scooter during a flight from Guangzhou, China, to Lagos, Nigeria.

Adeyileka, who has been unable to walk for over two decades, said the incident occurred when Emirates staff at the Guangzhou airport refused to allow her mobility scooter on board.

In a press statement released Thursday, she recounted the ordeal, stating that despite having successfully traveled with her scooter numerous times, Emirates staff insisted it was not permitted.

“For someone with a disability, a mobility scooter is not just a device — it is an extension of my body and my legs. Being denied its use felt like having my legs taken away,” Adeyileka lamented.

Adeyileka described the experience as deeply distressing, explaining that she was left immobile for hours while staff showed little empathy.

She alleged that several foreign travelers witnessing the scene remarked that such treatment seemed targeted, reflecting disregard for African passengers.

“Not only was I denied my scooter, but I was also forced to endure the humiliation of being physically carried onto the aircraft like a child by three or four adults,” she said. “This was a direct assault on my dignity and my rights as a person with a disability.”

She further expressed outrage over the lack of viable alternatives or assistance offered by the airline.

The entrepreneur, known for her contributions to Nigeria’s economy and her efforts to empower others through her work, has called on Nigerian authorities to address what she described as systemic discrimination.

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“This incident is not just about me. It highlights a pattern of maltreatment against Nigerians and persons with disabilities. Airlines operating in Nigeria must be held accountable to ensure the rights of all passengers are respected,” she asserted.

Adeyileka, who is expected to arrive in Lagos on Friday, December 6, on Emirates flight EK 783, urged the Nigerian government to intervene.

She also called on the media to amplify her story, emphasizing the need to address the broader issue of inclusion and accessibility for persons with disabilities.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from Nigerians, with many demanding an apology and compensation from Emirates Airline.

“This is embarrassing and unacceptable,” a Nigerian traveler commented anonymously. “Airlines must train their staff to treat all passengers, especially those with disabilities, with respect and dignity.”

Disability rights advocates have also weighed in, describing the case as a wake-up call for the promotion of disability inclusion in Nigeria.

“This highlights the urgent need to enforce laws that protect the rights of persons with disabilities,” a disability rights advocate said. “We must work collectively to create an inclusive environment for all Nigerians.”

Adeyileka’s experience is not just a personal grievance but a rallying cry for equitable treatment of all passengers, regardless of their abilities or nationality.