The Plateau State Government has suspended the activities of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) in the state, following recent confrontations between its officials and transport operators in Jos.
The suspension, announced by the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Davou Gyang Jatau, takes effect Monday, September 21 to 27, and is intended to provide room for an operational review and restructuring of the Directorate of Vehicle Inspection.
The commissioner announced the decision during an emergency meeting with leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), tricycle operators and other key stakeholders in the transport sector.
He also directed transport unions to produce members identified in video footage allegedly assaulting VIO officials, warning that anyone arrested by security agencies would face prosecution without government interference.
The government, however, is also introducing a complaint mechanism to address grievances against VIO officials. Jatau said the ministry would establish a dedicated complaint unit with phone lines through which motorists could report alleged misconduct or other concerns involving VIO personnel.
The meeting also drew attention to wider compliance challenges in the transport sector, with the commissioner citing an estimated 80 per cent of vehicles operating without valid documentation. He further expressed concern over the increasing involvement of underage children in the operation of commercial tricycles and motor vehicles.
Jatau directed the immediate enforcement of statutory driving-age requirements and called for greater compliance with vehicle documentation and road safety regulations.
To prevent future confrontations, the commissioner ordered that emergency meetings between transport unions and the Directorate of Vehicle Inspection be replaced with mandatory monthly engagements, where grievances and operational challenges can be discussed and resolved through formal channels.
The measures followed recent concerns over alleged misconduct by some VIO personnel as well as physical attacks against officers while performing their statutory duties. The ministry had earlier called for investigation into such incidents and stressed that grievances should be addressed through lawful channels.
The latest intervention therefore places responsibility on both sides — requiring VIO operations to undergo review while directing transport operators to respect lawful enforcement and resolve disputes through established mechanisms.
