Plateau VIO to Resume Field Operations Monday

Timothy Alamba

The Plateau State Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) will resume field operations on Monday, November 9, 2026, after a suspension of about seven weeks that followed reported cases of harassment involving members of the motoring public.

The Honourable Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Davou Gyang Jatau, announced this today at a press briefing held at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Jos. The Commissioner was accompanied by Directors from the Ministry and other stakeholders.

While announcing the suspension on September 19, 2026, the government said the step was taken in the interest of public safety and mutual understanding, and to address concerns about the conduct of both motorists and VIO officers. It also gave room for consultations with stakeholders.

Jatau said the ministry afterwards engaged the traditional council, the NUJ, the Public Complaints Commission, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). A more recent meeting brought together civil society organisations, the NUJ, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers and other affiliate unions.

According to him, the talks produced frank discussions, useful feedback and recommendations on how to improve operations, strengthen public relations and ensure officers act with professionalism, courtesy and respect for citizens’ rights. He said the concerns raised had been carefully noted and would continue to guide the ministry’s approach.

“Having considered the outcome of these engagements and the need to restore our statutory services, we wish to formally inform the general public that the Vehicle Inspection Office will resume field operations,” he said.

The commissioner stressed that the resumption was “not a return to business as usual”, but a renewed commitment to professionalism, discipline, accountability and respect for the rights and dignity of all road users. He said the suspension had offered a chance for reflection and institutional reassessment, and that officers returning to the field were expected to behave in ways that build public confidence.

Appealing to the public, Jatau urged motorists and other road users to cooperate with duly authorised VIO officers and comply with traffic and vehicle safety regulations. He also encouraged residents to report any misconduct, harassment, intimidation or unprofessional behaviour through official channels, assuring that complaints would be treated seriously and handled according to established procedure. A dedicated rapid-response line, 09133917287, has been provided for such reports.

“Our responsibility is not to intimidate or inconvenience members of the public, but to contribute to safer roads, improved vehicle roadworthiness, and the protection of lives and property,” he said, adding that the ministry would keep an open channel of communication with stakeholders and the public.

On attacks against VIO personnel, the commissioner said suspects in the last two incidents of assault on officers have been arrested and are being prosecuted by the police.

He urged the public to take complaints to the ministry, which he said has an internal mechanism for handling such concerns, instead of taking the law into their own hands. He warned that the government would no longer fold its arms while any officer on duty is assaulted.

Jatau thanked the NUJ leadership, traditional and religious leaders, the Public Complaints Commission, organised labour, civil society organisations and other stakeholders for their contributions and understanding during the period.

“Together, we can build a more effective, professional and people-oriented Vehicle Inspection Office,” he said.