The Plateau State Government has inaugurated an independent committee to investigate widespread allegations of misconduct, harassment and overzealous enforcement by officials of the Vehicle Inspection Office.
The Commissioner for Transport, Davou Jatau, performed the inauguration on Friday in Jos amid growing public outcry over the agency’s operations.
Jatau acknowledged the critical role of the transport sector in driving the state’s economic growth and social harmony, stressing that the Vehicle Inspection Office must enforce vehicle safety standards, traffic laws and roadworthiness regulations within strict legal and ethical limits.
“The transport sector remains a pillar of our economy, and the Vehicle Inspection Office plays a key role in ensuring road safety.
“However, recent complaints have highlighted issues of misconduct, harassment and excessive enforcement by some officials. It is our duty to investigate these allegations thoroughly, fairly and transparently”, the commissioner said.
PUNCH Online reports that the seven-member committee, drawn from government, civil society and the media, is tasked with reviewing petitions, probing specific incidents, identifying systemic problems and proposing reforms.
Addressing VIO officers and leadership, Jatau clarified that the probe was not intended to condemn the agency but to enhance professionalism, strengthen operational guidelines and rebuild public trust.
“This is an opportunity to improve institutional credibility, promote discipline, enhance training and ensure traffic enforcement is firm yet compassionate,” he added.
The commissioner urged the public to cooperate by providing credible information to the committee in a responsible manner, describing such engagement as essential for sustainable reforms.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to good governance, transparency and the swift implementation of the panel’s recommendations to ensure effective and lawful service delivery to citizens.
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