The Plateau State Commissioner for Transport, Jatau Davou Gyang, has expressed doubts that the federal and state governments will be able to reduce fares from October 1, 2026, despite their efforts to ease the hardship faced by Nigerians.

Gyang spoke yesterday while interacting with journalists at the Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, in Jos.

He said the governments’ intention to reduce fares was laudable but might not materialise by the proposed date, although he added that “miracles” could still happen.

According to him, the 36 state governors, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Federal Government had held discussions on the proposed reduction. “I doubt the possibility of that good dream coming to fruition,” he added.

The commissioner also condemned the reported assault of Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) by some commuters and transport operators while carrying out their duties.

He stressed that no one had the right to assault an official performing a lawful duty, adding that aggrieved commuters and motorists should use appropriate channels to challenge any perceived misconduct by VIO personnel.

On why VIO officials in Abuja reportedly inspect government vehicles but not tricycles, Gyang explained that the policy applied to the FCT and not Plateau State.

“They (VIOs) were given directives to inspect only government vehicles and not tricycles (Keke NAPEP) in the FCT,” he said.

Gyang also dismissed the perception that VIO officials were deployed on the roads primarily to extort motorists or generate revenue for governments.

He said efforts were being made to rid the agency of bad eggs, particularly by discouraging officials from collecting money for minor offences.