Plateau names new VIO director

The Plateau State Government on Monday pledged to enforce accountability in the Vehicle Inspection Office as it received the report of a committee set up to investigate alleged excesses by personnel of the agency.

Our correspondent reports that the government had, in February 2026, inaugurated an independent committee to investigate allegations of misconduct, harassment, and overzealous enforcement by officials of the Vehicle Inspection Office.

Receiving the report on Monday at the Ministry of Transport headquarters in Jos, the Commissioner for Transport, Davou Jatau, announced Jonathan Zam as the new Director of the VIO in the state.

The commissioner, who also decorated the new VIO director, commended the committee for what he described as “diligence, integrity, and professionalism” in carrying out what he called a sensitive assignment.

“The concerns raised by citizens regarding the conduct of some VIO personnel necessitated immediate government action, leading to the constitution of this committee. Our objective has always been clear: to uncover the truth, address any wrongdoing, and strengthen institutional performance,” the commissioner said.

He assured residents that the administration would not tolerate abuse of authority in any form.

“Every agency under the Ministry of Transport must operate within its legal mandate and in service to the people,” he stated, adding that the recommendations in the report would be carefully reviewed and implemented where necessary to correct identified lapses, prevent recurrence, and restore public confidence.

Earlier, while presenting the report, the chairman of the committee, Istifanus Dimang, said the panel engaged widely with members of the public, transport unions, and VIO personnel across the state.

“We carried out this assignment without fear or favour. Our findings are detailed and our recommendations are firm,” Dimang said. “We believe that if implemented, they will reposition the VIO to serve citizens better and end the complaints that led to this investigation.”

The commissioner also decorated Engr. Jonathan Zam as the newly appointed director of the VIO, describing the appointment as part of “deliberate steps taken by government to correct identified anomalies in previous administrative arrangements and to reposition the agency for better service delivery.”

“Your appointment at this critical time is a call to duty and a test of leadership,” the commissioner told Zam. “You are entrusted with the responsibility of restoring confidence, enforcing standards fairly, and ensuring that the operations of the VIO align with the laws and policies guiding its mandate.”

He charged the new director to lead with integrity and uphold discipline among officers, stressing that there must be “zero tolerance for misconduct, extortion, or abuse of office” under his leadership.

While promising government support for the new director, the commissioner noted that accountability would remain paramount and performance would be closely monitored.

He urged VIO officers to see the leadership change as an opportunity for a fresh start and to recommit themselves to the values of public service.

The event was attended by committee members, heads of agencies, representatives of transport unions, members of the press, and other stakeholders.