By Ebi Kesiena
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Mohammed Isa, has unveiled the country’s first accessibility-adapted vehicle designed to enhance mobility for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The initiative, developed through a strategic collaboration between the Office of the SSA, Elizade Autoland, and JAC Motors, featured the presentation and demonstration of a specially modified JAC J7 saloon car. The vehicle is scheduled for formal presentation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa this week.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, Abba Isa described the project as a practical outcome of purposeful partnership, noting that discussions which began in July 2025 had now produced a transformative mobility solution. He explained that the adapted vehicle represents more than transportation, symbolising dignity, independence, and expanded economic opportunities for PWDs across the country.
According to him, limited mobility remains one of the major barriers preventing many persons with disabilities from fully participating in social and economic activities. The modified JAC J7, he said, has been engineered with accessibility features that enable qualified users to operate the vehicle independently.
To ensure nationwide impact, the presidential aide disclosed plans to procure the adapted vehicles in bulk and distribute them across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas through recognised Organisations of Persons with Disabilities, OPDs. Beneficiaries will also be integrated into e-hailing platforms such as Uber and Bolt, creating sustainable income opportunities.
Abba Isa noted that the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises inclusive economic growth, social equity, and equal opportunity. He added that empowering PWDs to participate in the e-hailing sector would promote poverty reduction, social inclusion, and increased national productivity.
Speaking at the event, Executive Director of Sales at Elizade Autoland, Roland Odukomaiya, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to inclusive transportation solutions. He said the partnership reflects a shared goal of removing mobility barriers and pledged continued collaboration to advance accessibility-focused automotive innovation.
