The Kwara State Government has charged traffic regulatory officers in the state to uphold integrity, diligence and professionalism in the discharge of their duties, warning against any form of illegal conduct along the state's road corridors.

The State Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Lafia Aliyu Korasabi, gave the charge during a management meeting at his office in Ilorin.

Korasabi expressed concern over persistent allegations circulating on social media against some officers of the Kwara State Road Traffic Management Agency, particularly allegations bordering on monetary exploitation, overbearing conduct and excessive use of power against commercial motorists, tricycle and motorcycle operators.

He emphasised that officers deployed to traffic control points must remain focused on their primary responsibilities of maintaining orderliness, decongesting traffic and ensuring the free flow of vehicles.

The Commissioner further directed that enforcement against traffic offenders must always be carried out within the confines of the law and in accordance with established procedures.

He urged members of the public to continue to have confidence in the government and report any instance of misconduct by its officers to the appropriate government authorities, preferably with verifiable evidence, rather than spreading unverified allegations in the public domain.

Korasabi assured that appropriate and decisive measures would be taken against any officer found culpable of misconduct, stressing that the administration of Governor Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq maintains zero tolerance for acts capable of undermining public order, professionalism and the integrity of the public service.

He added that the Ministry of Transportation, under his leadership, would continue to uphold discipline and ensure that any erring officer found guilty is subjected to appropriate administrative action.

In his remarks, the Director, Personnel, Finance and Supply of the Ministry, Mallam Tajudeen Onikoko, called on heads of agencies under the Ministry to intensify monitoring and disciplinary measures among their personnel.

Onikoko urged the heads of the agencies to ensure that their staff remain committed to the responsibilities for which they were employed, noting that their professionalism was essential to complementing the achievements of the State Government in the transportation sector.

In their separate remarks, the Director, Mechanical Services, Engr. Olayinka Bushari, and the Director, Transport Planning and Coordination, Engr. Michael Bamidele, acknowledged the challenges often faced by officers in the course of their duties.

They commended the Kwara State Road Traffic Management Agency and the Vehicle Inspection Unit for the progress recorded under the current administration, while urging the officers to sustain the momentum and avoid any unruly conduct capable of undermining their professional integrity.

The Ministry of Transportation therefore assured members of the public of its continued commitment to lawful transport coordination, effective traffic management and smoother movement across road corridors in the state, while prioritising the safety and well-being of all road users.

For his part, the State Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer, Engr. Isiaq Ayuba, appreciated the State Government for its continued support and oversight, which he said had contributed to improved efficiency and staff morale.

Ayuba assured that his office would continue to uphold professionalism, strengthen compliance with established standards and maintain high ethical standards in the discharge of its responsibilities.