News

Plateau Govt Signs MOU on Tricycle Operations as Stakeholders Back ITTMS for Security and Revenue Reform

Published

12 months ago

August 21, 2025

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The Plateau State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with GIOPAT DC Limited for the implementation of the Integrated Tricycle Ticketing Management System (ITTMS), aimed at improving security, regulating operations, and enhancing revenue collection.

Speaking at the stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday, Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Davou Gyang, said the ITTMS marks a turning point for transport regulation in the state. “This is not just about tickets; it is about creating order, ensuring accountability, and protecting both operators and passengers. The government is determined to move away from leakages and insecurity to a more transparent and secure system,” he stated.

Representing GIOPAT DC Limited, the company’s Liaison Officer explained the technical design of the system. “We are very grateful to the Honourable Commissioner and the Plateau State Government for the opportunity to partner in this groundbreaking initiative. Many people see this exercise only as levy collection, but that is just one part of it. The first and most important aspect is data collection, followed by the deployment of QR codes for identification and security. The ITTMS will provide a digital identity for every registered tricycle. With it, we can track revenue in real-time, curb multiple taxation, and also strengthen security since every operator will be documented,” he said, assuring stakeholders of seamless deployment.

Local government chairmen gave mixed responses: Hon. Silas Dung of Jos South endorsed and signed the MOU, pledging security cover for smooth implementation.

“I am indeed very glad to be here. For me, safety is more important than money. We must be alive before we can spend money. That is why I welcome this initiative, because it prioritizes safety, orderliness, and accountability in our transport system. It is natural that whenever government introduces a new policy, there will be resistance. But over time, people adjust and see the benefits. I want to assure you that Jos South is fully committed. I have appended my signature to the MOU on behalf of the local government, which demonstrates our readiness to support the state government and our partners. I have also directed all security heads in Jos South to give full cover and protection to those involved in this noble initiative. However, anyone doing business outside the law within our local government will be dealt with accordingly. As I always say, no two individuals — not even twins — develop at the same pace. Each local government will come on board at its own time, but within the framework of the law. For Jos South, we are ready and committed.”

While Hon. John Kyoro of Jos North raised legal and community concerns, requesting more time before full adoption in his area.

“What we are doing here today is noble, progressive, and very much welcome. The drive to sanitize Plateau State through innovation deserves commendation. However, for us in Jos North, there are legal and social issues that must be resolved before we can fully participate. When I assumed office in October last year, I met an existing MOU and contract on tricycle revenue collection that is still running. As a lawyer and a law-abiding citizen, I cannot set aside that agreement midway.On the issue of digitization, data collection, and security, we have no objection. The initiative can go ahead. But on revenue generation, we must wait for the current arrangement to expire before joining fully. Another challenge we face in Jos North is the lack of trust and acceptance of the implementing partner by our people. I have engaged with my community, and the resistance is strong. We need more time to sensitize them so that they can embrace this innovation.”

In his remarks Mr. Elisha Dasen, representing the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS), highlighted the revenue benefits. “The old system has left gaps that were exploited, but this MOU ensures a more centralized and accountable process. Every kobo collected will now be traceable,” he emphasized.

Elder Markus Yakubu Jatau Plateau state chairman Tricycle Road Union of Nigeria (TRUN), Representing all the tricycle union in Plateau state expressed optimism about the project. He said: “The nucleus of this meeting is the tricycle organization. Without our presence, the business of the day would not be complete. This issue has lingered for a very long time because the digital system was something new and unfamiliar to us. At first, it created friction, but as we engaged with the Ministry of Transport and GIOPAT DC, we came to understand its value. They have not come to displace us, but to add value to what we are doing. Anyone adding value to your work deserves applause and seriousness. At some point, people claimed we had sold the union to the government and service providers, but that is not true. We only saw the wisdom of submitting to this new process so that tricycle operators can be part of a transparent and structured revenue platform”

CSB Ajah Fidelis Ezekiel, representing the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, said “Crime has become so sophisticated these days, and this initiative by the Ministry of Transport will go a long way in addressing the misuse of legitimate means of livelihood, such as tricycles, for criminal activities. I want to assure you that the Plateau State Police Command will fully support this program to ensure it sees the light of day”

Representing the FRSC CRC Felix Bwoi of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Plateau state sector command Jos said the digital system would help fight sophisticated crime and improve road safety. “I must say that I am very delighted that we are moving from analog to digital in most of our processes. Crime is becoming increasingly sophisticated, and the only way to combat it is to also get sophisticated in our approach. We in the FRSC are always on the road, and personally, one of the things I do as a precaution is to always take down the number of any tricycle I board, no matter the hour. This is a habit I encourage for safety and accountability. I want to plead with the Commissioner that as we continue to introduce new processes like this, it is important that we engage with one another from time to time. Even when the process is ongoing, if there are challenges, we should come back together to resolve them. That said, let us embrace technology fully. There is no way we can continue clamoring for change without taking the bold steps required to make it happen.”

In closing, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport assured all parties of smooth implementation. “The ITTMS implementation process will involve continuous engagement with stakeholders.” she stressed.

The meeting ended with the official presentation of the signed MOU, which participants described as a bold step toward restoring order in tricycle operations across Plateau State.

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News

2027: APC Forum urges North-Central first term governors to sit up

Published

25 minutes ago

August 9, 2026

Preport

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the North-Central All Progressives Congress, APC, Forum has urged first term governors elected on the platform of the party in the zone to sit up in order to ensure their return for a second term.

The North-Central APC Forum asserted that improved performance by the governors will translate to victory for the party in the forthcoming election.

The APC Forum made the call on Sunday in a statement released by its Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, after a second quarter stakeholders consultative meeting in Abuja.

First term governors in the North-Central, who are seeking re-election in the 2027 election, include Ahmed Ododo, Kogi, Hyacinth Alia, Benue, Mohammad Bago, Niger and Caleb Muftwang, Plateau.

AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Abdullahi Sule, the governors of Kwara and Nasarawa, respectively, the two other states in the North-Central, are rounding off their second terms in office.

The North-Central APC Forum, while expressing a desire for the APC to retain the control of all the states in the zone after the 2027 elections, said the performance of the first term governors will go a long way in determining their chances of re-election.

It urged the governors to step up in the provision of dividends of democracy as the elections approach.

“We urge the first term governors in the North-Central to sit up in the discharge of their duties as the elections draw closer. Our target as the North-Central APC Forum is that the party will continue to retain control of all the states in the zone.

“As leaders of the party in their respective states, we urge the governors to take the lead towards ensuring that the North-Central remains totally under the control of the APC after the elections. The North-Central was the first geopolitical zone to come under the control of one party, APC, and we as stakeholders are proud of the feat.

“As stakeholders and dedicated party men, we declare our resolve to ensure that the North-Central retains its enviable position as the number one APC zone in the country. To this end, we are calling on the first governors to redouble their efforts in the provision of dividends of democracy to the people. We particularly urge them to pay special attention to security, the economy, agriculture, education, youth and women empowerment, and the general welfare of citizens,” the Forum said.

However, the North-Central APC Forum in the same vein commended the governors of Niger and Plateau states for their achievements in office.

The Forum noted that Bago and Muftwang have recorded notable achievements in various sectors, which it said have improved the living conditions of citizens in the two states. It highlighted improved security, economic advancement especially through investment in modernized agriculture, and empowerment programmes initiated by the governors in their states.

The Forum said Bago and Muftwang have prioritized the welfare of workers and implemented policies which have improved business activities, thereby attracting much needed private investment.

“Following the second quarter 2026 assessment of governance in the North-Central, we believe that the governors of Plateau and Niger states, Mohammed Umaru Bago and Caleb Muftwang, respectively, have recorded commendable achievements in various sectors.

“The Bago administration in Niger State has recorded major infrastructure and industrial projects including the 1,000km statewide road network and flyovers, 500-hectare solar farm and industrial park in Diko/Sabon Wuse, the Minna urban renewal and overhead bridge expansion, and the 500-unit housing estate in Kontagora.

“In Plateau State, the Muftwang administration has executed several landmark infrastructure, as well as agricultural and tourism projects, including the 19.7 km Mangu Bypass, the Plateau Potato Value Chain Project, and the remodeling of hospitality and sports centers like the Hill Station Hotel and Rwang Pam Township Stadium.

“Added to these, the administrations have recorded improvements in security and economic empowerment and several other sectors, which we believe would ensure victory for the APC in the 2027 election. Other first term governors in the zone have also made progress, but we urge all of them to do even more as the elections approach. It is our fervent desire that the North-Central retains its pride of place an the number one APC zone in the country at the end of the 2027 elections,” the Forum added.

The APC Forum expressed confidence that, with the strides recorded by Bago and Muftwang, and the performance of other governors, the pledge to deliver six million votes from the North-Central to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election is on course.

It would be recalled that, in December 2024, the Forum became the first political organization to endorse Tinubu for a second term, pledging six million votes for the President from the North-Central zone.

Health

WHO recommends a clinical trial of Ebola vaccine against Bundibugyo virus

Published

59 minutes ago

August 9, 2026

Preport

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended that a vaccine called Ervebo be prioritised for a randomised clinical trial against Bundibugyo virus disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The recommendation followed preliminary animal study data suggesting that the vaccine may provide some cross-protection against the disease, particularly in reducing deaths.

WHO’s Technical Advisory Group on Candidate Vaccine Prioritisation made the recommendation at its third meeting on 31 July, after reviewing available evidence on the vaccine’s safety, efficacy, availability and feasibility.

The development comes as the DRC continues to respond to an outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus, which was declared on 15 May 2026.

As of 30 July, WHO had recorded 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths from the outbreak in the DRC.

Why Ervebo is being considered

The advisory group’s recommendation is significant because Ervebo was developed specifically against Ebola virus disease caused by the Ebola Zaire virus, rather than the Bundibugyo virus.

According to WHO, the group initially advised against using Ervebo outside carefully designed research settings because its effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus disease remained uncertain.

However, preliminary animal study data indicate that Ervebo may confer some cross-protection against Bundibugyo virus disease, particularly by reducing mortality.

The latest evidence prompted the advisory group to recommend that Ervebo be prioritised for a randomised clinical trial to determine its effectiveness against the disease.

What is the Bundibugyo virus?

The Bundibugyo virus causes Ebola disease. It is distinct from the Ebola virus that Ervebo was specifically developed to protect against.

The Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the DRC is the first of its kind in the country. WHO says there is currently no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease.

The disease is a severe infection, and previous Bundibugyo virus disease outbreaks have recorded case fatality rates ranging from 30 to 50 per cent, according to WHO.

Safety concerns

According to WHO, the advisory group found no identified safety concerns with the use of Ervebo among contacts of confirmed cases during a Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak.

READ ALSO: WHO raises alarm as DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak surpasses 3,600 cases

However, the experts stressed that the vaccine’s effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus disease and its ability to prevent transmission have not been established.

They therefore recommended that these questions be evaluated through clinical research.

WHO said a vaccine specifically developed against the Bundibugyo virus would remain the preferred option, although preliminary data on such candidates are currently unavailable.

The advisory group also emphasised the need to facilitate large-scale vaccine production and access if future evidence demonstrates sufficient efficacy to protect affected populations.