By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
Benue State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has, commissioned the first Benue Computerized Vehicle Inspection Service (BECVIS), located at North Bank part of Makurdi, the State capital.
Alia while performing the ceremony, said the introduction of BECVIS is a fulfilment of the commitment of his administration to modernise the systems of governance, instill efficiency and also ensure the safety of the citizens and the roads in the state.
On the importance of BECVIS to the State, the governor explained that it will serve as a centre for issuance of automated road worthiness certificates, testing of would be drivers for driver’s license acquisition and also identify mechanical faults on vehicles.
Alia further explained that the development would revolutionize vehicle inspection conduct, making the system more faster, more accurate and more reliable.
He commended Temple Group Limited, headed by Prince Segun Obayendo, for partnering with the State Government to execute the project under public private partnership, adding that government does not have all the resources to provide everything for the citizenry, hence the need to collaborate with the private sector.
He further called on the stakeholders and leaders in the transport sector, government agencies as well as the law enforcement agencies to give their maximum cooperation and also educate the people of the State on the benefits of regular vehicle inspections, saying the centre is the first amongst the four centres to be built across the State, with the other three to be situated in Otukpo, Gboko, and Katsina Ala.
He called for the project’s full integration on the State Central Billing System (CBS) for transparency.
He directed that all vehicles from MDAs and local government areas in the State to be brought to BECVIS for inspection, saying it will set the pace for private and commercial vehicles to follow.
Earlier in his address, the acting Permanent Secretary and Director of Administration and Supply in the State Ministry of Transport, Mr Nick Ajoko, said the commissioning will usher in an era where the road worthiness of cars in the State will be tested by computerised systems, equally putting an end to cases of leakages and racketeering in the issuance of certificate of road worthiness.
He commended the governor for demonstrating uncommon passion for the State and for trying to reposition the Ministry, calling for more personnel and equipment to enable the Ministry serve the State better.