The Plateau State Government has taken a decisive step toward modernizing transport regulation and revenue collection with the official presentation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Transport and GIOPAT DC Limited for the implementation of the Intelligent Transport and Traffic Management System (ITTMS).
At the stakeholders’ briefing held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, in Jos, the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Davou Jatau Gyang, described the initiative as a turning point in addressing insecurity, curbing revenue leakages, and ensuring accountability in the transport sector.
According to him, the new system introduces biometric registration and the issuance of QR codes for all tricycle riders and owners, allowing security agencies and commuters to instantly verify identities.
“Cases of kidnapping and crimes linked to unregistered tricycles have become a major concern. With this technology, every rider and tricycle owner will be documented. The QR codes will not only assure safety but also boost confidence for commuters and operators alike,” the Commissioner said.
On the revenue side, Hon. Gyang stressed that the digital daily ticketing system will eliminate illegal collections by touts and guarantee that every payment goes directly into the Plateau Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS) account.
“The transportation sector is the lifeline of our state’s economy. For too long, leakages and inefficiencies have denied government its rightful revenue. This new initiative will ensure transparency, reduce harassment of operators, and improve data for transport planning,” he added, while commending Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for his support.
In his goodwill message, Mr. Elisha Dasen, representing the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service, welcomed the MOU, noting that it would not only increase state revenue but also help build a culture of tax compliance among operators.
The Chairman of the Tricycle Owners and Riders Union of Nigeria (TRUN), Elder Markus Yakubu Jatau, admitted there had been initial resistance to the project but confirmed the unions’ readiness to cooperate, saying: “We now understand this innovation adds value to our operations and we are committed to keying into it.”
From the implementers’ side, Mr. Salis Abdulsalam, Liaison Officer of GIOPAT DC, emphasized that the project goes beyond revenue collection, describing data capture and security integration as its backbone. “A commuter will soon not feel safe in a tricycle without a QR code because it shows the government recognizes and tracks that operator,” he explained.
Security agencies also pledged support. Representatives of the Plateau State Police Command and the FRSC said the digital system would help fight sophisticated crime and improve road safety.
Local government chairmen gave mixed responses: Hon. Silas Dung of Jos South endorsed and signed the MOU, pledging security cover for smooth implementation, while Hon. John Kyoro of Jos North raised legal and community concerns, requesting more time before full adoption in his area.
The event, which drew together government officials, security agencies, transport unions, and local government representatives, was described as a “new era” in Plateau’s transport system.
With the MOU unveiled, the state now moves toward full implementation of the ITTMS, beginning with the tricycle sector before extending to other transport services.
