By Joyce Ekeh
The Plateau State Government has announced the resumption of field operations by the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) on Monday, November 9, 2026, following a two-month suspension triggered by allegations of harassment, misconduct and violent confrontations between its officers and motorists.
The Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Davou Jatau Gyang, announced the resumption in Jos on Friday, saying the decision followed extensive consultations with traditional rulers, journalists, civil society organisations, labour unions, transport unions and other stakeholders.
The state government had suspended the agency’s field activities in September following recurring complaints of alleged harassment and assault involving VIO personnel and road users.
Jatau said the consultations were designed to address public concerns, improve relations between VIO officers and motorists and develop measures to prevent further confrontations.
He explained that the engagements involved the Traditional Council, Coalition of Journalists, civil society organisations, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and other relevant institutions.
According to him, the discussions provided an opportunity for stakeholders to express their concerns and make recommendations on improving the agency’s operations.
“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 with effect from Monday, November 9, 2026,” the commissioner stated.
He, however, stressed that the resumption would not be business as usual, assuring residents that the government had renewed its commitment to professionalism, discipline, accountability and respect for the rights and dignity of motorists.
The commissioner said officers returning to the field were expected to demonstrate courtesy, restraint and responsible conduct capable of restoring public confidence in the agency.
Government warns VIO officers, motorists
Jatau urged VIO personnel to avoid actions that could provoke unnecessary confrontations with motorists, stressing that their responsibility was to promote road safety rather than intimidate or inconvenience members of the public.
He also appealed to motorists to ensure that their vehicles were duly authorised and complied with relevant traffic and road safety regulations.
The commissioner encouraged residents to report cases of harassment, intimidation, misconduct or unprofessional behaviour through designated official channels.
“All complaints will be treated seriously and addressed in accordance with established procedures. We have a dedicated rapid-response line for members of the public to report such incidents,” he said.
He maintained that the agency’s primary responsibility was to improve vehicle roadworthiness, promote safer roads and protect lives and property.
Two suspects to face prosecution
The commissioner also disclosed that two suspects had been apprehended in connection with the last two reported incidents involving assaults on VIO personnel and were currently being prosecuted by the police.
He warned that the state government would not tolerate attacks, harassment or intimidation of officers carrying out their lawful duties.
According to him, anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
However, he urged VIO personnel to reciprocate the government’s intervention by conducting themselves professionally and respecting the rights of road users.
“We appeal to members of the public to channel whatever concerns or complaints they have to the ministry. We have internal mechanisms for addressing such issues and ensuring that appropriate action is taken,” he added.
Jatau assured residents that the Ministry of Transport would sustain engagement with stakeholders and maintain open communication with the public to ensure that the agency operates in a manner that commands public trust and confidence.
The resumption is expected to test the effectiveness of the government’s intervention in resolving the prolonged disagreement between VIO personnel and motorists in Plateau State.
