The Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong Governor has commissioned the first computerized vehicle inspection centre in the State.
Performing the event in Jos the State capital, the Governor said the project aims at improving the quality of motor vehicles leading to the preservation of human lives and enhancing safer roads for sustainable development.
“With the increasing volume of traffic in the State due to restored peace and stability, there is the need to ensure that vehicles plying our roads are roadworthy and safe for the transportation of passengers, goods and services. I am particularly happy that the establishment of this computerized centre though coming behind schedule is finally fulfilled. We can never over-emphasize the need for ensuring that vehicles plying our roads are in good health just as the drivers who are driving them.”
Governor Lalong added that according to statistics by the Federal Road Safety Commission and other Organisations, the high level of accidents on Nigerian roads is largely associated with the conditions of the vehicles as much as it is with the conduct of the drivers.
“We are aware that many vehicles which should ordinarily not be seen on the roads are constantly engaged in carrying passengers and goods. Without checking this menace, we will continue to witness the wanton loss of lives and properties in accidents that are preventable,“ he stated.
He implored all Agencies of Government and Security Services in the State to support the project by collaborating with the Vehicle Inspection Sevice to ensure the success of this commendable project.
The Governor also directed all Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies and Local Governments to submit all official vehicles to the computerized inspection as a way of setting the pace for private and commercial vehicles to follow.
According to him, all the centres are activated across the State while enforcement and compliance will be total.
Commissioner for Transport in the State Muhammad Abubakar said with proper and sustainable enforcement, the project can generate a robust database which can be used for research, planning and development of the transport sector in the State and the Country at large.
He disclosed that vehicles which do not pass the test at this computerized centre will require further checks to bring them in tune with the standards which guarantee the safety of both the drivers and the passengers.
“The checks will also enable vehicle owners to prevent issues that could eventually lead to breakdown and accidents if not addressed on time.”
He called on all citizens of the State, particularly the Transport Stakeholders such as the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW); National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO); Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) among others to give maximum cooperation and ensure that we work together to save lives and properties by obliging full compliance in order to maintain safety standards in the State.
Chairman of the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service Dashe Arlat said the Governor has directed that the project be fully integrated into the State Central Billing System (CBS) to ensure transparency and accountability because it is also a source of employment and generating Internal Revenue for the State
Representatives of Transport Unions and the FRSC also pledged to support the project.
PIAK
