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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.
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has officially announced that the 2026/27 season will kick off on August 28, 2026, setting the stage for what is expected to be one of the most ambitious and competitive campaigns in the history of Nigerian domestic football.
READ ALSO: NPFL Sets Historic N1 Billion Prize for 2026/27 Champions
With major reforms already unveiled by the league organisers, the new season carries huge expectations from clubs, players, officials and supporters across the country.
Among the biggest talking points is the introduction of a record ₦1 billion prize for the league champions, while the runners-up and third-placed teams are expected to receive ₦500 million and ₦300 million respectively.
The enhanced financial rewards are aimed at improving professionalism and increasing competitiveness in the league.
Player welfare has also received a significant boost with the introduction of a minimum monthly salary of ₦2 million for NPFL players, a move designed to improve living standards and reduce the migration of talented footballers abroad.
Infrastructure development remains another major focus ahead of the new campaign.
Clubs have been directed to upgrade their stadiums, medical facilities and security arrangements to meet club licensing requirements, with failure to comply potentially leading to the loss of hosting rights.
On the commercial side, organisers are working towards expanding television and digital broadcast partnerships to increase the visibility of the NPFL and attract more sponsors and football fans.
These expectations form the major talking points among the fans, and watchers of the league.
There are a certain level of doubts, amid hope on how the new reforms will transform into realities beyond just pronouncements.
Beyond the reforms, to the pitch the 2026/27 season is also expected to produce exciting rivalries, particularly in Lagos, where Sporting Lagos, Inter Lagos and Ikorodu City will all compete in the top flight, reviving the prospect of multiple Lagos derbies.
Meanwhile, clubs have intensified their transfer activities as they strengthen their squads ahead of the new season.
CAF representatives and newly promoted teams are among the busiest in the transfer market as they seek to build competitive squads.
With improved financial incentives, better infrastructure, technological upgrades and increased commercial opportunities, expectations are high that the 2026/27 NPFL season will mark another significant step in the growth of Nigerian league football.
The unveiling of the kick off date is the first step to a historic season with Rangers going in as defending Champions and four fresh private clubs join the fray from the lower leagues.
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