Plateau Government Sets Up Panel to Probe Alleged Misconduct by VIO Officials

The Plateau State Government has inaugurated an independent committee to investigate allegations of misconduct, harassment and excessive enforcement involving officials of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO).

The Commissioner for Transport, Davou Jatau, inaugurated the panel on Friday, February 20, in Jos, following mounting public complaints about the agency’s operations.

Jatau emphasized the critical role of the transport sector in driving economic growth and maintaining social stability in the state. While acknowledging the importance of the VIO in enforcing vehicle safety standards and traffic regulations, he stressed that its activities must align strictly with legal and ethical standards.

“The transport sector remains a pillar of our economy, and the Vehicle Inspection Office plays a key role in ensuring road safety,” he said. “However, recent complaints have highlighted issues of misconduct, harassment and excessive enforcement by some officials. It is our duty to investigate these allegations thoroughly, fairly and transparently.”

The seven-member committee, comprising representatives from government, civil society and the media, has been tasked with reviewing petitions, probing specific incidents, identifying systemic challenges and recommending appropriate reforms.

Addressing VIO officers and management, the commissioner clarified that the investigation is not intended to undermine the agency but to strengthen professionalism and rebuild public trust.

“This is an opportunity to improve institutional credibility, promote discipline, enhance training and ensure traffic enforcement is firm yet compassionate,” he stated.

Jatau also called on residents to support the process by providing credible and responsible information to aid the investigation, describing civic participation as essential to meaningful reform.

He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, assuring that the panel’s recommendations would be implemented promptly to guarantee lawful and effective service delivery across the state.