by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Plateau State has hosted the “Annual National Conference of Directors and Chief Road Traffic Officers of the Federation,” tagged, ‘JOS 2025.’ This is an annual conference, which remains the foremost gathering of professionals and stakeholders responsible for the regulation, standardization, and administration of road traffic and motor vehicle operations across Nigeria.
The conference provides participant ts with a veritable platform to deliberate on emerging issues, exchange knowledge, and proffer innovative solutions towards a safer and more efficient road transport system.
The theme for this year’s conference, ‘Enhancing National Security and Road Traffic Safety Through Effective Motor Vehicle Administration,’ is both timely and thought-provoking.
The National Chairman, Sir Engr. Bepeh Paul Ugbe, disclosed this in Jos during the 2025 Annual Conference of Directors and Chiefs of Road Traffic Officers (VIOs) when he stated that, “In today’s Nigeria, the link between motor vehicle administration and national security has become more evident than ever before.
“Our vehicle registration systems, drivers’ licensing processes, and roadworthiness certification regimes are not just administrative tasks; they form the foundation of data integrity, national identity, and public safety,” he stated.
He expatiated that, “When these systems are weak, fragmented, or poorly enforced, they create gaps that are exploited by criminal elements, undermining not only road traffic safety but also national security.
“Therefore, this gathering offers us the opportunity to explore practical and coordinated strategies to strengthen our systems, harmonize standards, and leverage technology for improved efficiency and accountability,” he urged.
He emphasized that, “This year’s conference carries additional significance, as it will feature the election of new executive officers to steer the affairs of our Conference for the next tenure.”
He, therefore, urged all delegates to participate actively, to ensure the emergence of credible, visionary, and committed leaders who will continue to advance the ideals and professional integrity of their noble body.
He also encouraged every participant to contribute constructively, share experiences from their various states, and engage meaningfully with their partners, researchers, and stakeholders, saying, “Together, we can continue to reform the landscape of Motor Vehicle Administration in Nigeria and make our roads safer for all users.”
Speaking earlier, the Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer in the State-cum Chairman of Local Organizing Committee, Anna Godwin Mweltok, commended the government commitment to gender equity by ensuring fair representation in leadership across the State.
She said, upon assumption of office, in October 2023, she began by engaging directly with officers across the state, and these meetings provided a platform for them to freely express their challenges and proffer suggestions for improvement.
According to her, “The outcome was encouraging. It led to meaningful engagement with relevant stakeholders through the Commissioner of Transport, and several positive results have since followed.
“One notable outcome was the Governor’s approval for the purchase of a complete set of uniforms and kits for all officers, the first in the Department’s history. This gesture greatly improved staff appearance, discipline, and morale, enhancing our professionalism in the field,” she noted.
She revealed that, “Two (2) Towing Trucks that had been grounded for a while were refurbished and are now functional. Again, when we were granted the hosting rights of this edition of the conference, the Governor didn’t waste time in consenting.”
She called on the government to give approval for additional staff to be recruited, because the department is currently grossly understaffed, adding that, women should be given special consideration, as she is the only female in the department.
Also, the Commissioner for Ministry of Transport, Davou Gyang Jatau, observed thus: “Our roads are vital arteries of commerce, communication, and social interaction, and their proper administration directly impacts the safety and security of our nation.
“Governor Mutfwang has demonstrated exceptional commitment to transforming the road transport sector. Under his visionary leadership, several strategic strides have been made to modernize and improve transportation management.
“This includes, Rehabilitation and Construction of Key Road Networks, facilitating safer and faster movement of people and goods across the state; signing of ‘Order 003’ in the State to reduce road congestion, and ensure compliance with traffic laws, and Digitization of Vehicle Licensing and Registration Processes in collaboration with relevant federal agencies; ensuring transparency and curbing the menace of vehicle-related crimes.
“While others are, Capacity Building for State VIO Officers and Drivers through regular training and retraining programs to improve professionalism, discipline, and service delivery.”
The Commissioner noted that, “These initiatives are clear testimonies of the Governor’s resolve to make Plateau’s transport system a model of safety, efficiency, and innovation.”
He urged all participants to take full advantage of the sessions to share experiences, generate new ideas, and strengthen collaboration among Vehicle Inspection Officers nationwide.
“The insights and resolutions from this meeting will, undoubtedly, help shape policies that enhance not only road safety but also the broader objective of national security,” he stated.