The Plateau State Government has constituted an independent panel to investigate mounting allegations of misconduct, harassment and excessive enforcement by officials of the Vehicle Inspection Office, VIO, across the state.

The committee was inaugurated in Jos by the Commissioner for Transport, Davou Jatau, following weeks of public complaints from motorists, transport unions and civil society groups about the conduct of some VIO personnel during road operations.

Jatau, who described the transport sector as a pillar of Plateau’s economy, said the state could not ignore growing concerns that enforcement activities were straying beyond legal and ethical boundaries. He stressed that while the VIO is mandated to ensure vehicle safety, roadworthiness and compliance with traffic regulations, such duties must be carried out with professionalism and respect for citizens’ rights.

“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, adding that the government was determined to restore confidence in traffic regulation.

The seven-member committee is drawn from government agencies, civil society organisations and the media, in a bid to guarantee independence and credibility. Its terms of reference include reviewing petitions from the public, probing specific incidents involving VIO officers, identifying systemic weaknesses and recommending far-reaching reforms.

Jatau told VIO leadership and rank-and-file officers that the probe should not be seen as a witch-hunt but as a corrective measure aimed at strengthening the institution. According to him, the exercise is expected to improve operational guidelines, entrench discipline and ensure that enforcement is “firm yet compassionate.”

The commissioner appealed to residents, transport operators and road users to submit factual, verifiable information to the panel, noting that public participation would be crucial to achieving sustainable change in the sector.

He reaffirmed the Plateau State Government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and the rule of law, and pledged that the administration would act swiftly on the committee’s findings to guarantee that VIO services are delivered effectively, lawfully and in the public interest.