The Plateau State Commissioner for Transport, Jatau Davou Gyang, has cast doubt on the possibility of reducing transport fares by October 1, 2026, despite efforts by the federal and state governments to ease the hardship faced by Nigerians. Gyang made these remarks while interacting with journalists at the Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, in Jos. He expressed concerns that the proposed reduction may not materialize by the proposed date.
According to Gyang, discussions on the proposed fare reduction have been held among the 36 state governors, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Federal Government. However, he remains skeptical about the possibility of implementing the reduction. Gyang described the governments' intention to reduce fares as laudable but expressed doubts about its feasibility by the proposed date, though he added that "miracles" could still happen.
Gyang also condemned the reported assault of Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) by some commuters and transport operators while carrying out their duties. He emphasized that no one has the right to assault an official performing a lawful duty. Instead, aggrieved commuters and motorists should use appropriate channels to challenge any perceived misconduct by VIO personnel.
The commissioner addressed the perception that VIO officials were deployed on the roads primarily to extort motorists or generate revenue for governments. He dismissed this notion and stated that efforts were being made to rid the agency of bad eggs, particularly by discouraging officials from collecting money for minor offences.
Gyang also clarified that the policy of inspecting government vehicles but not tricycles applies to the FCT and not Plateau State. According to him, VIOs in the FCT were given directives to inspect only government vehicles and not tricycles (Keke NAPEP).
The Plateau State Commissioner for Transport emphasized the need for commuters and motorists to cooperate with VIO officials while performing their lawful duties. He encouraged those with grievances to use the proper channels to address any concerns they may have.
The proposed transport fare reduction is a significant concern for Nigerians, who have been facing economic hardship. The federal and state governments have been exploring ways to alleviate this burden, but the feasibility of implementing the reduction by October 1, 2026, remains uncertain.
Key points
- The Plateau State Commissioner for Transport, Jatau Davou Gyang, doubts that transport fare reduction will occur by October 1, 2026.
- Gyang condemned the assault of Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) by commuters and transport operators.
- The commissioner emphasized that efforts are being made to rid the agency of bad eggs and discourage officials from collecting money for minor offences.
