Cross River Government Bans VIO from Roadside Operations!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan
Editor-in-Chief | Sele Media Africa

The government of Cross River State has announced a ban on roadside operations by the state’s VIO (Vehicle Inspection Officers), a move aimed at curbing harassment of motorists and restoring order in traffic enforcement across the state.

Authorities confirmed that the directive prohibits VIO personnel from mounting checkpoints or stopping vehicles on public roads for routine inspections. Instead, the officials are expected to operate strictly from designated inspection centers and offices where motorists can voluntarily present their vehicles for checks and certification.

According to the state government, the decision follows increasing complaints from residents and commercial drivers about alleged intimidation, extortion, and disruption linked to some VIO roadside enforcement activities. Officials say the policy forms part of broader reforms designed to promote transparency, improve road safety administration, and rebuild public trust in regulatory agencies.

The ban effectively removes VIO officers from direct roadside policing duties, which will now be handled primarily by the Federal Road Safety Corps and other authorized security agencies. The state government emphasized that vehicle inspections remain mandatory but must be carried out within proper administrative frameworks rather than through random road stops by VIO operatives.

Transport stakeholders and civil society groups have largely welcomed the decision, arguing that it could reduce friction between motorists and VIO officials while encouraging compliance through structured inspection processes. However, some observers caution that the government must strengthen monitoring systems at inspection facilities to ensure vehicles on the road remain roadworthy.

VIO officers are responsible for certifying vehicle fitness, verifying documentation, and ensuring compliance with road safety standards. In several Nigerian states, however, their roadside operations have been controversial due to recurring allegations of misconduct and harassment.

The development in Cross River reflects a growing national debate about the scope of VIO enforcement powers and the need to modernize vehicle inspection systems using digital verification and centralized testing centers.

For motorists in the state, the new directive means that vehicle inspections and documentation checks will now occur primarily at official inspection points rather than along highways and city roads where VIO officers previously conducted enforcement.

Sources: The Punch, Vanguard Newspaper, Premium Times, Channels Television

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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