News Room Jos, Nigeria – More than 60,000 digital “Tap-and-Pay” cards have been sold for the Jos Metro Bus service since its launch, with over 2.5 million passengers recorded, according to Samuel Jok Gwott, Chief Executive Officer of Plateau Express Services.
Speaking at the 2025 Google Developer Festival (DevFest) in Jos, Gwott said the initiative had faced scepticism at the start but has since improved transportation in the city. “When we launched, we got a lot of criticism, but we’ve been able to record some improvements in terms of transportation,” he told participants.
Gwott, who also founded the tech firm Valgee, said the rise of digital solutions in transport shows how private companies are reshaping urban mobility. “We are seeing more private companies using technology, just like Plateau Riders, to build transport systems,” he said. “It’s easier now to commute with private companies that have used technology to enable booking.”
The Jos Metro Bus project was launched in 2024 as part of Plateau State’s efforts to modernise its transport network and reduce congestion. The adoption of digital cards has since become a case study in how local innovations can scale.
Gwott argued that non-state actors must take ownership of their successes by telling their stories more boldly. “As non-state actors, we need to come out of ourselves to tell our stories,” he said.
He urged developers and entrepreneurs to tap into the growing opportunities in tourism and technology. “There are many opportunities that developers and tech entrepreneurs can explore to improve tourism in the state,” he added.
The remarks were part of a series of keynote and panel discussions at DevFest Jos 2025, where industry leaders spotlighted the intersection of technology, transportation, and tourism in Plateau State.
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