Plateau State VIO Resumes Operations After Suspension

The Plateau state government has announced that Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) officers will resume field operations starting November 9, 2026. The decision was made by the Commissioner for Transport, Davou Jatau, after a meeting with stakeholders in Jos. The suspension, which began on September 19, 2026, was intended to allow for consultations with stakeholders and address concerns surrounding the conduct of VIO officers and their relationship with the public.

The suspension was prompted by reported attacks and harassment of vehicle inspection officers while on duty, as well as complaints about the manner in which some officers carried out their responsibilities. According to Jatau, the temporary halt was mutually agreed upon to allow constructive engagement and enable the government to identify measures that would improve the operations of the agency. The consultations provided an opportunity for stakeholders to make recommendations on how to improve public relations, strengthen accountability, and ensure that officers discharge their duties professionally.

The government engaged with several organisations and interest groups, including the Traditional Council, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Public Complaints Commission, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), civil society organisations, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). These engagements provided a platform for frank discussions and constructive feedback on the activities of the VIO and the concerns of motorists. The government considered the views of the different stakeholders in arriving at the decision to resume field operations.

Two suspects, identified as Kobe and Aweng, have been arrested in connection with the last two incidents involving assaults on vehicle inspection officers. They are currently being prosecuted by the police. This development underscores the security concerns that contributed to the suspension of the operations, with the government seeking to protect officers while also addressing complaints about their conduct.

Jatau urged members of the public to report cases of misconduct, harassment, and intimidation through the Ministry of Transport’s official channels. He said complaints would help the government monitor the conduct of officers and ensure that those deployed to the field operate within the standards expected of a public institution. The commissioner also warned officers against actions capable of intimidating, harassing, or unnecessarily inconveniencing motorists.

The resumption of VIO operations comes with a renewed commitment to professionalism, accountability, and responsible public service. Jatau emphasised that the purpose of the VIO is to improve vehicle roadworthiness, promote compliance with safety regulations, and protect lives and property, rather than create difficulties for road users. He appealed to motorists to cooperate with authorised VIO officers and comply with relevant traffic and vehicle safety regulations.

The effectiveness of the arrangement will depend on how consistently the new commitments are implemented and whether complaints from motorists receive appropriate attention. The government’s decision to consult traditional institutions, labour organisations, journalists, civil society groups, and other stakeholders suggests an attempt to address the concerns through dialogue rather than simply ordering officers back to the roads. The Ministry of Transport faces the task of ensuring that VIO officers uphold professional standards while carrying out their statutory responsibilities.

Key points

• The Plateau state government has resumed VIO operations after a suspension of over a month, with a renewed commitment to professionalism and accountability.