Plateau State Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Jatau Davou Gyang, has clarified that revenue generation is not the primary responsibility of Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs).
Speaking during an engagement with journalists and stakeholders following reported assaults on VIO officers and the suspension of their operations, Gyang said the break is to allow government to correct existing challenges and restructure for more effective service delivery.
He explained that the absence of VIOs from the roads has created room for illegal operations by some individuals, making their return necessary.
According to the Commissioner, while offenders will still pay statutory fines as provided by law when they violate regulations, that should not be misconstrued as the core mandate of the officers.
Their major responsibility, he said, is to inspect vehicles and ascertain their roadworthiness before they are allowed to operate.
Gyang added that tricycles, popularly known as Keke, are also subject to VIO inspection, covering roadworthiness, safety accessories, security compliance and approved operational hours.
He disclosed that the VIO office now has a scanning station to professionally check vehicle components to ensure only safe vehicles ply Plateau roads.
He stressed that VIO activities are guided by state-domesticated laws and called for collaboration to protect officers and improve road safety.
Earlier, NUJ Plateau Chairman, Comrade Ayuku Pwaspo, reaffirmed journalists’ role as watchdogs committed to balanced reportage on issues affecting the public.
