From Tongnaan Bawa Jos
The Plateau State Ministry of Transport says Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) will return to the roads next week, beginning with road-safety sensitisation before the resumption of full enforcement activities.
The Commissioner for Transport, Jatau Davou Gyang disclosed this during an engagement with journalists, said the suspension of VIO activities was necessary to enable the ministry review concerns surrounding the operations of its officers and engage stakeholders.
He said the ministry was committed to ensuring safer roads while addressing cases of misconduct, stressing that VIO’s primary responsibility was to enforce compliance with road safety regulations and inspect vehicles for roadworthiness, rather than generate revenue.
The Commissioner also clarified that fines imposed on motorists for traffic violations were punitive and not the primary purpose of VIO operations. He said such fines were remitted to the appropriate government authorities.
On tricycles, he said they were restricted by law to designated routes and were not permitted to operate on major highways and trunk A roads. He added that the ministry was working on electronic geographical and time-fencing systems that could restrict vehicles from operating outside approved routes or hours.
Jatau Gyang explained that Plateau’s VIO operations were governed by state laws and were not affected by the recent court judgment concerning VIO activities in the Federal Capital Territory.
He also warned that extortion by VIO personnel would not be tolerated, urging members of the public to report any officer involved in misconduct. He said such officers would face disciplinary measures and, where applicable, criminal prosecution.
The Head of VIO said the department was reviewing its enforcement strategy and would adopt a more flexible approach, including deployment to rural roads where many accidents occur.
He said a dedicated telephone line would also be introduced to enable motorists to report complaints and incidents for prompt response.
He urged VIO officers to carry out their duties professionally and with understanding, saying enforcement should not result in confrontation between officers and members of the public.
Earlier Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Plateau State Council, Ayuku Pwaspo, welcome the Commissioner to the council and assured him of her members maximum support in discharging their duties.