GOVERNOR MUTFWANG UNVEILS COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT MODERNISATION PLAN, RALLIES OPERATORS TO STRENGTHEN SECURITY

Plateau State Governor, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has unveiled an ambitious plan to modernise the state's transport sector through the introduction of smart tricycles equipped with advanced telecommunication facilities and onboard surveillance cameras, while calling on transport operators to play a more proactive role in combating insecurity, kidnapping, and human trafficking.

The Governor made the disclosure on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, while receiving the State Chairman and members of the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN), Jos Chapter, alongside leaders of other transport unions, during a courtesy visit at the New Government House, Rayfield, Jos.

Welcoming the delegation, Governor Mutfwang expressed appreciation for the unwavering support of transport operators, describing them as critical partners in the development and security of Plateau State. He urged them to remain united and steadfast as the state prepares for future political engagements.

The Governor commended the transport community for its invaluable contributions to intelligence gathering and crime prevention, noting that transport operators occupy a strategic position in the state's security architecture.

"You are an integral part of the security architecture of Plateau State. You must remain vigilant against criminal elements who may seek to infiltrate the transport system. Our security agencies depend greatly on timely and credible information from citizens," he said.

Governor Mutfwang expressed deep concern over the growing menace of kidnapping and human trafficking, particularly involving young girls, and appealed to transport operators to remain vigilant and protect vulnerable passengers.

"Every Plateau girl is your daughter. Whenever you observe a young girl being transported under suspicious circumstances, I plead with you in God's name: say something, do something," the Governor urged.

As part of his administration's comprehensive transport reform agenda, Governor Mutfwang announced that the government is in advanced discussions with investors to introduce a fleet of modern tricycles fitted with cutting-edge communication technology and surveillance systems to improve passenger safety, security, and operational efficiency.

"We are negotiating with investors who will bring modern tricycles into Plateau State. I can assure you that it will not be 500 units; it will be far more than that," he stated.

The Governor assured transport operators that the government would develop an affordable and transparent ownership model that would enable beneficiaries to acquire the new tricycles without being subjected to exploitative financing arrangements.

He further disclosed that the administration is pursuing a holistic transformation of the state's transport ecosystem. This includes the gradual phasing out of motorcycles from commercial transportation within the next year due to safety concerns, the introduction of electric vehicles, replacement of obsolete commercial buses, expansion of the Tin City Metro Bus Scheme, and long-term investments in rail transportation.

Governor Mutfwang also revealed plans to establish Air Plateau, describing the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at stimulating economic activities around the Yakubu Gowon Airport, improving connectivity, attracting investment, and positioning Plateau State as a regional hub for commerce and tourism.

Responding to requests by transport unions for the relaxation of the statewide curfew, the Governor explained that such decisions are reached collectively by the State Security Council based on prevailing security assessments. He assured the delegation that their appeal would be presented for consideration.

On concerns relating to truck operations at Mararaba Jama'a, Governor Mutfwang assured stakeholders that the government was working towards a balanced and mutually beneficial solution that would safeguard legitimate business interests while protecting the welfare of Plateau citizens.

The Governor also pledged to engage the Ministry of Agriculture on the possibility of providing special fertiliser allocations to transport operators who are actively engaged in farming. He further promised reforms to simplify vehicle registration processes and encourage transport operators who currently register their vehicles in neighbouring states to return and register them in Plateau State.

Emphasising the need for professionalism and integrity within the transport sector, Governor Mutfwang challenged transport unions to cultivate a culture of honesty, discipline, and accountability that would inspire greater public confidence.

"Let us build an identity. Let us build a character that people can trust and respect," he charged.

As part of efforts to deepen collaboration with transport stakeholders, the Governor announced that, in addition to the appointment of the Coordinator of Road Transport Workers as Senior Special Assistant, five additional Special Assistants would be appointed from among leaders of the various transport unions.

Earlier, the Coordinator of the Plateau Transport Sector, Hon. Husseini Gunok, said the transport community—comprising the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN), the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the National Union of Road Transport Owners (NURTO), the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), tanker drivers, and other transport operators—remains firmly committed to supporting Governor Mutfwang's administration.

Gunok disclosed that the transport sector has an estimated membership of over 48,000 across Plateau State, including about 30,000 tricycle operators. He noted that the Governor's developmental strides have restored confidence among transport workers and inspired renewed hope for the future.

Speaking on behalf of the tricycle operators, the Chairman of the Tricycle Union, Mr. Marcus Yakubu, thanked Governor Mutfwang for granting them an audience after several unsuccessful attempts over the years to engage directly with government. He reaffirmed the transport sector's overwhelming support for the Governor and pledged the union's continued cooperation with his administration in advancing peace, security, and sustainable development across Plateau State.

Gyang Bere, PhD
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State
July 28, 2026

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