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Plateau Govt Receives VIO Probe Report, Appoints New Director and Moves to Reform Agency
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.
Head coach of the Nigeria national team, Eric Chelle, has unveiled a 25-man squad for the Super Eagles’ upcoming international friendly matches against Poland and Portugal in June 2026.
The Malian tactician selected a mix of established internationals and emerging talents as Nigeria continues preparations for future international competitions and qualification campaigns.
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Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo earned an invitation to the squad alongside prolific striker Victor Osimhen, who headlines the attacking options for the two high-profile encounters.
Regular Super Eagles stars including Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and Calvin Bassey were also included in the squad.
The fixtures against Poland and Portugal are expected to provide important tests for Chelle as he continues to build his preferred squad and tactical identity ahead of competitive assignments.
Nigeria will take on Poland before facing Portugal in what are anticipated to be two major international friendlies against strong European opposition.
The games are also expected to offer opportunities for several fringe and new players to impress and cement regular places in the Super Eagles setup.
Super Eagles Squad for Poland, Portugal Friendlies
Goalkeepers:
Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy), Francis Uzoho (Omonia, Cyprus), Arthur Okonkwo (Wrexham, England)
Defenders:
Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England), Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England), Emmanuel Fernandez (Rangers, Scotland), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England), Frank Onyeka (Coventry City, England), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Tochukwu Nnadi (Olympique Marseille, France), Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA)
Forwards:
Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England), Moses Simon (Paris FC, France), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, Turkey), Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey), Terem Moffi (FC Porto, Portugal)
The Plateau Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has impounded 89 vehicles for using fake diplomatic number plates.
The command also impounded other vehicles for overloading and mixloading.
The vehicles were impounded during a Strategic Intervention Patrol tagged “Operation Guduma” on Wednesday in Jos.
Speaking, Rebecca Aremu, the Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM) on Special Duties at FRSC headquarters, said that the operation aimed at tackling illegal and fake diplomatic number plates, mixloading, and overloading in the state.
She explained that the operation, which commenced on Monday, is currently being enforced in 10 other states of the federation.
She named the states to include Rivers, Delta, Anambra, Ogun, Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Oyo, Enugu, and Nasarawa.
Ms Aremu, who decried the rise in overloading by commercial drivers, added that fake and illegal diplomatic number plates contravened the National Road Traffic Regulation.
She further said that the special operation aimed at achieving sanity and ensuring safety on highways.
“Overloading has caused untold pain for Nigerians, so we are here to address it.
“Using fake diplomatic number plates is a risk; it contravenes the national road safety regulations.
“It also poses a serious threat to national security.
“So far, we have impounded 89 vehicles: 14 for mixloading, 61 for overloading, and 14 for number plate violation in Plateau,” she said.
Earlier, the Sector Commander in Plateau, Adelaja Ogungbemi, said that officers and men of the command had been deployed for the special operation.
“We have given our marshals a marching order that it is no business as usual; we have also sent out signals to the motoring bodies in the state.
“We want to stop the use of fake diplomatic number plates and other unwholesome practices by motorists on highways,” Mr Ogungbemi said.
(NAN)
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