By Lanre Oloyede
A new chapter in Nigeria’s drive toward inclusive development was opened on Thursday as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, unveiled the country’s first accessibility-adapted vehicle.
The groundbreaking initiative is the result of a strategic collaboration between the Office of the SSA and Elizade Autoland in partnership with JAC Motors.
The unveiling ceremony featured the presentation and demonstration of a modified JAC J7 saloon car, which will be formally presented to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the Presidential Villa.
Commending the delegation led by Mr. Roland Abiola Odukomaiya, Executive Director of Sales, Hon. Abba Isa described the project as a practical demonstration of what purposeful collaboration can achieve. He noted that what began as a strategic discussion in July 2025 has now materialized into a transformative solution for accessible mobility.
According to the SSA, the adapted JAC J7 is more than just a vehicle—it represents access, dignity, and expanded opportunity for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across Nigeria.
He emphasized that mobility remains one of the most significant barriers confronting PWDs, limiting their ability to fully participate in economic and social life.
The vehicle has been specifically engineered to accommodate accessibility requirements, enabling qualified PWDs to operate it independently.
In a bold move to ensure nationwide impact, Hon. Abba Isa disclosed that the adapted vehicles will be procured in bulk and distributed across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas through recognized Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs). Beneficiaries will also be onboarded onto established e-hailing platforms such as Uber and Bolt.
He further noted that the project aligns seamlessly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritizes inclusive economic growth, social equity, and equal opportunity. The presentation of the adapted vehicle, he said, is a tangible expression of the administration’s commitment to practical solutions that improve the lives of vulnerable Nigerians.
By enabling PWDs to actively participate in the e-hailing sector, the initiative is expected to contribute to poverty reduction, social integration, and increased national productivity. It reinforces the principle that disability does not equate to inability, and that with the right tools and enabling environment, Persons with Disabilities can thrive and compete effectively.
Hon. Abba Isa also revealed that Mr. President is set to receive the vehicle at its official presentation at the Presidential Villa, further underscoring the Federal Government’s resolve to institutionalize inclusive policies and partnerships nationwide.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Roland Abiola Odukomaiya reaffirmed that the partnership was driven by a shared commitment to eliminating barriers to accessible transportation.
He emphasized that Elizade Autoland and JAC Motors operate an inclusion-focused policy framework and are prepared to sustain collaboration with government and stakeholders to advance inclusive automotive technology.
He added that the company plans to incorporate additional accessibility features in subsequent production cycles to further enhance comfort and usability for PWDs.
The ceremony climaxed with the symbolic handover of the adapted vehicle to the SSA and a live demonstration of its operational features, marking a significant stride toward a more inclusive and economically empowered Nigeria.
