The Plateau State Government has continued its stakeholders’ engagement on the reform of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), with a delegation from the Ministry of Transportation meeting with officials of the Public Complaints Commission in Jos on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
The engagement, which is the second day of the ongoing consultations, is aimed at gathering concerns, complaints and recommendations from key stakeholders towards developing a more effective, friendly and responsive VIO following the recent suspension of its operations by the state government.
Leading the delegation, the Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Davou Gyang Jatau, said the ministry considered the Public Complaints Commission a critical stakeholder because of its role in receiving complaints from members of the public, including those concerning the operations of government agencies.
Jatau acknowledged that the ministry had received complaints about the conduct of some VIO personnel, including allegations of high-handedness and unfriendly approaches to motorists. He said the government was not ignoring such complaints and had been looking inward to identify areas requiring correction.
He, however, condemned the recent assault of VIO officials while carrying out their duties, stressing that dissatisfaction with the conduct of an officer should not lead to physical attacks or obstruction of lawful duties.
The Commissioner said members of the public who feel wrongly treated by VIO personnel have the right to seek redress through the Public Complaints Commission, the courts and other established channels.
According to him, the ministry has also complied with court decisions in cases where VIO personnel were found to have acted beyond their powers, noting that this demonstrates that the government is prepared to address excesses within the system.
Jatau said the government was particularly concerned about individuals allegedly collecting money from motorists for personal benefit while allowing road users to violate safety regulations. He stressed that the primary responsibility of VIO is to ensure the roadworthiness of vehicles and promote safety, rather than revenue collection.
Also speaking, the Federal Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission in Plateau State, Hon. Abbas Abdullahi Garba, commended the transportation delegation for engaging the Commission and called for a holistic and peaceful approach to resolving the challenges surrounding VIO operations.
He also raised concern over the recent assault of VIO officials, describing such incidents as unfortunate and unacceptable. He, however, appealed for the issues surrounding the suspended operations to be addressed through dialogue, suggesting that those behind the complaints and grievances should also be invited to participate in discussions aimed at finding lasting solutions.
The Commissioner stressed the importance of maintaining peace, noting that stability remains essential for economic and social progress.
During the visit, some directors of the Commission raised concerns received from members of the public, particularly tricycle operators, over the operations of VIO and other challenges within the transport sector.
They also raised the issue of multiple taxation affecting motorists and operators, as well as the need for improved training for VIO personnel and motorists to promote better understanding and compliance with road regulations.
Members further called for sustained media and public enlightenment programmes to educate motorists and the general public on the statutory responsibilities of VIO, noting that inadequate knowledge of its functions could contribute to confrontations between officials and road users.
Responding to the concerns, Commissioner Jatau said the ministry was already engaging tricycle operators with a view to ensuring proper registration and creating a better framework through which government could address their concerns.
On multiple taxation, he said discussions were ongoing between the state and local governments towards collaboration and harmonisation of taxes to reduce the burden of multiple levies on motorists.
The Commissioner appreciated the Public Complaints Commission for its reception and contributions, saying the recommendations would be carefully considered as the ministry works towards improving the transportation sector and restructuring VIO operations in the state.
On his part, the state director of VIO, Engr. Zam Jonathan, thanked the Commission for its observations and pledged that the concerns raised would be taken into consideration, promising that the public and stakeholders would see a more remodelled, friendly and effective VIO when operations resume.
The delegation included the Director of Vehicle Inspection and Transport Logistics, Engr. Zam Jonathan; Director of Administration, Mr. Celestin Jaja; field division controllers and other VIO officers.
Today’s engagement is part of the ministry’s continuing stakeholders’ consultation. On Wednesday, September 23, the transportation delegation held engagements with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and FRSC as the government seeks wider input into the proposed reform of VIO operations in Plateau State.
