The Plateau State Government has announced plans to extend its subsidized transportation program beyond Jos, aiming to cover all local government areas, according to Commissioner for Transport Davou Jatau. During a press engagement in Jos, Jatau revealed that the state had already implemented reduced fares ahead of a federal directive, allowing commuters to travel 46 kilometers round trip for between N200 and N400. 'This was before the presidential mandate for crashing transportation fares. Plateau has already gone ahead to implement this,' Jatau stated, emphasizing the expansion to other local government areas as a priority. The commissioner highlighted the state's partnership with the National Institute of Transport Technology, Zaria, to establish a vehicle conversion center in Jos for converting vehicles to compressed natural gas (CNG) and hybrid systems. However, he acknowledged the challenge of lacking a refueling station, noting that the government is collaborating with a private company to deploy gas through a proposed mother-and-daughter station arrangement. 'The major challenge to the CNG initiative has been the absence of a refuelling station,' Jatau said, underscoring the project's potential to lower transportation costs and environmental impact. Addressing concerns about Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs), Jatau confirmed that the government had identified gaps in a committee's report on the agency's operations and was working with relevant agencies to address them. He condemned assaults on VIO personnel and warned that officers found demanding illegal fees would face disciplinary action and prosecution. 'We urge journalists and the public to report such cases,' he said, adding that the government is exploring technology to reduce physical checks and improve document verification. Jatau reiterated that road safety and enforcement, not revenue generation, should be the VIOs' primary focus. The expansion of subsidized fares and CNG initiatives reflects Plateau State's efforts to alleviate transportation costs for residents while promoting sustainable infrastructure. With the federal government's recent interest in reducing fares, Plateau's proactive measures position it as a regional model for affordable and eco-friendly mobility solutions. The state's commitment to addressing VIO-related grievances and modernizing enforcement practices further underscores its focus on public welfare and operational transparency.
BusinessDay Nigeria | By Nathaniel E. Gbaoron, Plateau State Correspondent
Plateau State Expands Subsidized Transport Fares Beyond Jos, Aims to Cover All Local Governments
BusinessDay Nigeria | By Nathaniel E. Gbaoron, Plateau State Correspondent