Physically Challenged Nigerian Ayodele Awobona Calls Out ValueJet Over Discrimination

SMALL AIRCRAFT, BIG DISCRIMINATION? THE BARRIERS PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES FACE IN AIR TRAVEL!

Today, I experienced a deeply disturbing situation at FlyValueJet's booking desk at Gateway International Airport, Iperu, Ogun State.

I went to book a flight to Abuja for an upcoming Jonapwd Jonapwd event, only to be told that because ValueJet operates a small aircraft, I might not be allowed to fly unless I had someone accompanying me.

I explained that I am an independent traveller. I have travelled alone internationally before and flown to Abuja several times through other airlines without an attendant. I even appealed to them not to make the matter an issue, the Sahco Duty Manager on ground was ready to mobilize her men anytime I want to travel but ValueJet position remained unchanged: it was company policy.

How can a person's disability become a barrier to buying an airline ticket in 2026?

I deliberately chose Iperu because it is closer to me and would save me the physical stress of travelling to Lagos. Instead, I encountered another barrier simply because I use a wheelchair.

Section 14(1) of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, alongside NCAA Regulations 19.12.1.2 and 19.12.4.1, provides protections against disability discrimination in air travel.

I understand that safety is important. But safety must not become a blanket excuse for exclusion.

If I, as Chairman of Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Ogun State Chapter, with years of independent travel experience, have to plead for the opportunity to book a flight, what happens to thousands of other Nigerians with disabilities who may not have the voice to challenge such treatment?

ValueJet, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, JonapwdNational and National Commission for Persons with Disabilities- NCPWD, Nigeria, this deserves your attention and action.

How can we preach inclusion in Nigeria while persons with disabilities continue to encounter barriers in the most basic aspects of everyday life?

We are tired of being told what we cannot do simply because we have a disability. We deserve to travel, participate, work and live with dignity.

We are not asking for favors. We are demanding equal access, dignity and respect.

Disability is not a crime. A wheelchair is not a disqualification from air travel!

#DisabilityRights #AccessibleAviation #ValueJet #NCAA #NCPWD #DisabilityInclusion #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs