Commercial tricycle operators in Plateau State have been issued a stern warning to comply with the newly launched Intelligent Transport and Traffic Management System (ITTMS) QR Code Initiative or risk being barred from operating within the state.
The warning was delivered during an advocacy and partnership meeting held on Monday, July 14, at the headquarters of Operation Rainbow in Jos. The meeting brought together key security stakeholders, the implementers of the ITTMS system — GIOPAT DC Limited, and representatives from various government departments.
Brigadier General Goshwe Shipe (rtd), Acting Coordinator of Operation Rainbow and Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, emphasized that the initiative is a state-backed policy aimed at enhancing public safety, improving transport accountability, and curbing criminal activities often linked to unregistered tricycle operators.
“This initiative is not designed to punish anyone,” he stated, “but non-compliance will attract consequences. If you don’t comply, you cannot operate within Plateau State.”
The ITTMS policy involves the digital registration and biometric capturing of all tricycle riders, followed by the issuance of unique QR codes. These codes will allow security agencies and commuters to instantly verify the identity of operators and the tricycles they drive, thereby boosting trust, safety, and traceability across the state’s transportation network.
GIOPAT DC’s Liaison Officer, Mr. Salis Abdulsalam, explained that the project is long overdue. According to him, over 33,000 tricycles have operated in Plateau in the last 13 years, yet no structured digital system has existed to track them or ensure government revenue remittance.
“Despite paying daily levies, the state receives almost nothing. This system blocks leakages and ensures direct payment into government accounts through terminals or mobile phones,” Abdulsalam said.
So far, over 7,500 riders have been successfully registered and assigned QR codes. Once scanned, the code displays the rider’s photo, name, phone number, and registered tricycle details — all accessible to relevant security agencies.
Operation Rainbow commended the level of technology deployed, with Brig. Gen. Shipe confirming he personally tested the system and was impressed by its functionality.
“I scanned a code and saw all the rider’s information. This is how to secure both operators and passengers. It’s also a way to fight insecurity through digital surveillance and real-time monitoring,” he said.
The new system also eliminates the old revenue model of cash collections by transport unions, which Abdulsalam revealed had not remitted funds to the state for over a decade.
However, he noted resistance from some unions who had become accustomed to treating public levies as personal income.
Brig. Gen. Shipe reinforced the government’s stance:
“There’s already a legal framework for this project. We’ll enforce it. This is about security, revenue, and development. Hunger and poverty are tied to insecurity. Plugging leakages means more money to serve the people.”
The meeting, which included security agency representatives, ITTMS project leads, and department heads from Operation Rainbow, started with a minute of silence in honor of late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
To support the policy’s rollout, Operation Rainbow also released two toll-free emergency numbers:
- 📞 Operation Rainbow Emergency Line: 0800-0022-3344
- 📞 Plateau State Security Information Centre: 080-0000-5555
“Even tricycle riders are sometimes victims. These lines are here to support all Plateau residents,” Shipe said.
Abdulsalam added that payment terminals will be deployed across major routes, parks, and junctions, ensuring riders can access services without stress.
The ITTMS project is a mandated initiative of the Plateau State Government, with harmonization efforts ongoing with local authorities to ensure statewide compliance.
“We’re here on behalf of the state. This is about accountability, safety, and service delivery. Every rider should register now. The law will not spare defaulters,” he concluded.
The state now looks toward full compliance as Operation Rainbow and partners intensify awareness and enforcement across Jos and other local government areas.