The Plateau State Government has suspended the operations of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) across the state following a series of violent confrontations between VIO officials and commercial transport operators in Jos, the state capital.
The decision was announced by the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Davou Gyang Jatau, during an emergency meeting held with leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), tricycle riders associations, and other key stakeholders in the state's transport sector.
Why Plateau Govt Suspended VIO Operations
According to the Commissioner, the suspension which takes effect from Monday, September 21 to Sunday, September 27, 2026, is necessary to calm tensions on the roads and to allow the Ministry to review the activities of the Directorate of Vehicle Inspection. The move follows recent viral videos showing clashes between VIO personnel and drivers on major roads in Jos, including Ahmadu Bello Way.
“We cannot allow violence on our roads. While we will not tolerate attacks on government officers performing their lawful duties, we must also ensure that officers conduct themselves professionally without harassing motorists.” - Hon. Davou Gyang Jatau, Commissioner for Transport
The Ministry condemned both the alleged assault on VIO officials and reported cases of harassment by some VIO personnel. Hon. Jatau directed transport union leaders to produce members identified in video recordings linked to the assaults and warned that anyone arrested by law enforcement will face prosecution without government interference.
Transport Reforms and New Complaint System
As part of the reforms, the Plateau State Ministry of Transport will establish a dedicated complaint unit with phone lines where motorists can report cases of misconduct, extortion, or harassment involving VIO officials. The Commissioner explained that the temporary suspension will provide an opportunity to restructure the VIO for better service delivery and professionalism.
He also expressed concern over rising non-compliance in the transport sector, revealing that an estimated 80 percent of vehicles in the state operate without valid documentation. He further decried the increasing use of underage children for commercial tricycle and motor vehicle operations, directing immediate enforcement of statutory driving age requirements.
What Happens Next for Drivers in Jos
With the suspension now in effect, VIO officials will stay off Plateau roads for one week while the review lasts. However, the government clarified that other traffic enforcement agencies will continue to ensure road safety, and drivers are still expected to maintain valid vehicle papers and obey traffic rules.
M2NICE Analysis: This suspension is a major relief for many drivers in Jos who have complained about alleged harassment, but it is also a strong warning to transport unions. The introduction of a complaint unit shows the government wants to balance enforcement with accountability. Motorists should use this one-week window to renew expired documents before enforcement resumes with stricter reforms.
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