State government suspends VIO activities
The Plateau State Government has suspended the activities of Vehicle Inspection Officers, VIO, across the state following repeated clashes between the officers and transport operators.
The suspension, which took effect on Monday, September 21, will last until September 27 and is intended to give the state authorities time to review the operations of the officers and make necessary changes.
The State Commissioner for Transport, Davou Jatau, announced the decision after an emergency meeting with major stakeholders in the transport sector.
The meeting was attended by senior officials of the ministry, leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers and representatives of tricycle operators in the state.
The government took the decision amid growing concerns over physical confrontations, harassment and other forms of violence involving VIO personnel and transport operators.
Jatau condemned attacks on officers carrying out their official duties and said such incidents could undermine peace and order in Jos and other parts of the state.
The commissioner also directed transport union leaders to identify and produce their members seen in a video allegedly attacking government officials. He said anyone apprehended by security agencies over the incident would be prosecuted according to the law.
As part of efforts to address complaints involving VIO personnel, the ministry has also established a complaint unit. Dedicated telephone numbers will be made available to motorists and other road users who want to report misconduct or raise concerns about the activities of the officers.
Jatau also raised concerns about the condition of vehicles operating on Plateau roads, saying about 80 per cent of vehicles in the state were operating without valid documents.
He further expressed concern over the increasing involvement of underage persons in the operation of commercial tricycles and motor vehicles.
The commissioner directed officials to begin enforcing the legal age requirements for driving and operating commercial vehicles in the state. He said the measure was necessary to improve road safety and reduce avoidable accidents.
The government also directed that regular meetings be held between transport unions and the Directorate of Vehicle Inspection.
According to the commissioner, monthly meetings will replace emergency meetings and provide a formal platform for transport operators to raise complaints and resolve disagreements with VIO officials.
The state government said the new approach was aimed at reducing conflicts, improving communication between transport stakeholders and ensuring that disputes over vehicle inspection and other transport regulations are handled through established channels.
