The Plateau State Government has received the report of a committee set up to investigate the activities of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), with authorities pledging sweeping reforms to address identified lapses and restore public confidence.
The report was formally presented at the Ministry of Transport, Plateau State Secretariat, by the committee chairman, Istifanus Dimang, who outlined key findings from the investigation.
Dimang explained that the committee, constituted on February 20, 2026, was mandated to examine public complaints, investigate alleged misconduct and operational excesses, and recommend corrective and policy measures. He noted that the committee engaged stakeholders, interviewed VIO officials, interacted with motorists across Jos metropolis, and reviewed relevant laws and policy frameworks.
According to the report, the VIO is grappling with significant manpower shortages, operating with only 34 officially employed officers, while relying heavily on irregular and undocumented personnel for enforcement activities. The committee also identified the imposition of revenue targets as a factor contributing to aggressive enforcement practices, shifting focus from regulatory compliance to revenue generation.
Other findings highlighted the largely manual system of operations, which creates room for abuse, as well as the incomplete deployment of the Automated Number Plate Recognition System (ANPRS), limiting the effectiveness of digital monitoring. The report further revealed widespread public dissatisfaction, citing complaints of harsh treatment, lack of transparency, and unprofessional conduct by some personnel.
The committee also pointed to weak internal disciplinary mechanisms within the Ministry of Transport, noting that existing Public Service Rules have not been effectively applied to regulate conduct or sanction misconduct, including the use of unauthorized personnel in enforcement.
To address these challenges, the committee recommended a comprehensive reform agenda, including the recruitment of qualified staff, regulation of ad hoc personnel, strengthening of disciplinary systems, full automation of revenue collection, completion of the ANPRS project, and the development of a modern vehicle inspection policy. It also proposed the establishment or revitalization of a unified traffic management agency in the state.
Responding, the Honourable Commissioner for Transport in Plateau State said the government remains committed to accountability, transparency, and the rule of law. He commended the committee for its diligence and assured that the recommendations would be carefully reviewed and implemented where necessary.
The commissioner emphasized that the government would not tolerate abuse of authority, while also supporting officers to operate within legal frameworks. He called on residents to cooperate with authorities in building an efficient and people-oriented transport system.
As part of efforts to reposition the agency, the commissioner also decorated Jonathan Zam as the new State Director of the Vehicle Inspection Office. He charged the new director to lead with integrity, enforce standards fairly, and ensure professionalism in all operations.
The government expressed confidence that the reforms and new leadership would enhance efficiency, strengthen accountability, and rebuild public trust in the VIO as a key institution for road safety and traffic management in Plateau State.
