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Plateau Govt Receives VIO Probe Report, Appoints New Director and Moves to Reform Agency

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30 minutes ago

April 28, 2026

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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.

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Bagos Support Groups Raise ₦10.1m for Reps Nomination Form

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Bagos Support Groups Raise ₦10.1m for Reps Nomination Form

Published

32 minutes ago

April 28, 2026

Preport

Support groups loyal to Dachung Musa Bagos have raised ₦10.1 million to support his bid for the House of Representatives, signaling strong grassroots backing ahead of the forthcoming elections.

The groups disclosed that the funds, totaling ₦10,100,000, were mobilized to facilitate the purchase of the party’s nomination form, underscoring their collective commitment to ensuring Bagos’ return to the National Assembly.

According to the supporters, Bagos’ decision to step down from the Senate race in favour of contesting for the House of Representatives reflects a strategic move aimed at promoting party unity, peace, and stability. They described the decision as a demonstration of sacrifice, discipline, and respect for party leadership, taken in the broader interest of strengthening the party.

Speaking on behalf of the groups, representatives noted that Bagos has remained a dependable and experienced leader with a track record of impactful service. They emphasized that his return to the lower chamber would enhance effective representation, youth empowerment, and sustainable development within the constituency.

“This contribution goes beyond financial support; it reflects our confidence in his leadership and our shared determination to see him continue delivering at the federal level,” the group stated.

The support groups also reaffirmed their resolve to intensify mobilization efforts across wards and communities to secure victory for Bagos in the upcoming elections.

The statement was signed by Lang’s Pwajok on behalf of the supporters.

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Nigeria to lead global telecoms policy as Tijani chairs ITU Council 2026

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2 hours ago

April 28, 2026

Preport

“I am looking forward to leading discussions that are thoughtful, constructive and focused on impact,” he says. “At a time when technology is reshaping economies and societies at unprecedented speed, our task is to build a stronger, more responsive and future-ready ITU that works for every nation and every person.”

ITU Council focusing on critical issues shaping global technology ecosystem

Ahead of the meetings, Tijani says he has been engaging with senior ITU leadership, including Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin and Deputy Secretary-General Tomas Lamanauskas, to align priorities for the upcoming session.

“As I prepare to transition from my previous role as Vice Chair and start my term as Chair of the 2026 Council of the International Telecommunication Union, I have spent the last few days engaging with the ITU leadership team,” Tijani says.

Deliberations at the 2026 Council are expected to focus on critical issues shaping the global technology ecosystem, including broadband infrastructure, cybersecurity, spectrum management, interoperability standards and innovation policy.

“The Council sessions will consider priorities that will guide the Union’s next four-year strategic cycle, including inclusive and secure infrastructure, digital applications, spectrum use, global ICT interoperability and creating an enabling environment for innovation,” the Minister says.

Tijani adds that his objective is to steer practical, consensus-driven discussions that deliver measurable outcomes for member states.

Founded in 1865, the ITU is the United Nations specialised agency for information and communication technologies, coordinating global radio spectrum, developing technical standards and advancing digital inclusion worldwide. While the Plenipotentiary Conference, next scheduled as ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (PP-26), serves as its supreme decision-making body, the Council meets annually to oversee implementation of strategic and administrative priorities.

The 2026 Council session is particularly significant as it represents the final major governance platform ahead of the Union’s next leadership elections, where member states will decide on leadership positions and budgetary direction through to 2030.

Under the current cycle, discussions are anchored on the Connect 2030 Agenda, which is targeting the expansion of global connectivity and bridging the digital divide that continues to leave billions without meaningful internet access.

The agenda aligns with the ITU’s broader mandate, where governments and industry stakeholders collaborate on spectrum coordination, telecom standards and digital inclusion initiatives.

This year’s Council meeting is also convening at a critical juncture for the global ICT sector, as policymakers seek to balance rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, satellite communications, cross-border data flows and the need for resilient digital infrastructure.

Key performance targets under review include universal broadband coverage, affordable internet access, connectivity for schools and households, and expanded ownership of internet-enabled devices. Member states are also assessing progress on strengthening national cybersecurity frameworks through policies, emergency response teams and legislative instruments.

Beyond connectivity, the Council is expected to evaluate progress towards broader digital transformation goals for 2030, including closing gender, age and urban-rural digital divides, improving digital literacy, expanding internet adoption by businesses, increasing access to e-government services and leveraging ICT for climate and environmental sustainability.

Nigeria’s leadership of the 2026 ITU Council places the country at the centre of these global conversations, offering an opportunity to shape policy directions that will define the future of digital development across both emerging and advanced economies.