Plateau State Government Resumes VIO Road Operations

The Plateau State Government has announced that officers of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) will resume field operations on Monday, November 9, 2026. The operations were suspended on September 19, 2026, following reported attacks and harassment of VIO officers while on duty. The suspension was implemented to allow for consultations with stakeholders and address concerns surrounding the conduct of VIO officers and members of the public.

According to Davou Jatau, the Commissioner for Transport, the suspension was mutually agreed upon to create an opportunity for constructive engagement and find an acceptable way forward. The government consulted with various stakeholders, including the Traditional Council, Nigerian Union of Journalists, Public Complaints Commission, Christian Association of Nigeria, civil society organisations, the Nigerian Labour Congress, and the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers.

The engagement provided an opportunity for frank discussions, constructive feedback, and valuable recommendations on how to improve VIO operations, strengthen public relations, and ensure that officers discharge their responsibilities with professionalism, courtesy, and respect for the rights of members of the public. The resumption of VIO operations will not be a return to business as usual but a renewed commitment to professionalism, accountability, and respect for motorists.

Commissioner Jatau warned that officers deployed to the field must conduct themselves in a manner that promotes responsible public service. He disclosed that two suspects, identified as Kobe and Aweng, had been apprehended in connection with the last two incidents of assault on vehicle inspection officers and were currently being prosecuted by the police.

The Commissioner urged members of the public to report cases of misconduct, harassment, and intimidation through the Ministry’s official channels. He appealed to motorists to cooperate with authorised VIO officers and comply with traffic and vehicle safety regulations, stressing that the responsibility of the office was to improve vehicle roadworthiness and protect lives and property, rather than intimidate or inconvenience members of the public.

The resumption of VIO operations aims to improve vehicle roadworthiness and protect lives and property. The office is responsible for ensuring that vehicles on the road meet safety standards, and the government is committed to ensuring that VIO officers perform their duties professionally and courteously.

The Plateau State Government’s decision to resume VIO operations is a significant step towards improving road safety in the state. The government’s efforts to engage with stakeholders and address concerns surrounding VIO operations demonstrate its commitment to finding a solution that works for all parties involved.

Key points

• The Plateau State Government suspended VIO operations for over a month due to reported attacks and harassment of officers.
• The government consulted with various stakeholders before resuming VIO operations.
• The resumption of VIO operations aims to improve vehicle roadworthiness and protect lives and property.