NRC graduates 31 locomotive pilots to power rail expansion, freight reforms

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has strengthened its drive to reposition rail transportation with the graduation of 31 newly trained locomotive pilots, declaring that a new generation of skilled operators will be at the heart of the Federal Government’s railway expansion and freight revolution.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Managing Director of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, described locomotive pilots as the “driving force” behind the corporation’s ongoing reforms, stressing that the graduates would play a pivotal role in improving safety, efficiency and reliability across Nigeria’s rail network.

Represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Dr. Monsurat Omotayo, Opeifa said the graduates had completed more than one year of rigorous classroom and practical training, reflecting the corporation’s commitment to professionalism and operational excellence.

He said the pilots would be central to the expansion of railway operations nationwide, particularly as the Federal Government pursues partnerships with state governments to develop rail infrastructure and provide affordable, reliable transportation.

According to him, the corporation’s Track Access Policy and freight transportation reforms remain top priorities.

“As locomotive pilots, you will be at the centre of these initiatives and the future of railway transportation in Nigeria,” Opeifa said.

He assured the graduates—including two women—that the corporation would continue to invest in their professional development through exposure to global best practices aimed at enhancing operational safety and efficiency.

Earlier, the Assistant Director, Motive Power, Mr. Abiodun Olokun, disclosed that 45 employees drawn from different operational departments were selected for the training programme conducted at the NRC Training Schools in Lagos and Zaria, Kaduna State.

He explained that while 31 trainees successfully completed the programme, 11 were retained for further practical training to strengthen their competence. Two others did not meet the required performance standard, while one trainee was unable to complete the programme after being involved in a road accident. The three were returned to their respective departments.

Olokun said the trainees underwent three months of intensive classroom instruction, followed by six months of practical exposure across operational departments and simulator training in Zaria.

“The programme was designed to expose the trainees not only to locomotive operations but also to the entire railway operating environment,” he said.

Chief Locomotive Instructor Mr. Godwin Edet described the graduates as exceptional in both theory and practical performance, expressing confidence that they could compete favourably with locomotive operators anywhere in the world.

The Technical Adviser to the Managing Director on Railway Operations and Services, Mr. Adeife Olukolade, urged the graduates to strictly adhere to the operational rule book, noting that discipline and compliance with safety procedures remain the best safeguards against accidents.

Also speaking, the Director of Operations, Mr. Akin Osinowo, reminded the new pilots that they would be responsible for the safety of hundreds of passengers and the movement of freight, an area receiving renewed government attention.

The Director of Civil Engineering and New Lines, Engr. Adekunle Ayeni, described the graduation as a sign of renewed hope for the corporation and called for the recruitment and training of younger engineers to replace ageing personnel.

Similarly, the Deputy Director, Mechanical, Electrical, Signals and Telecommunications, Engr. Habeeb Olakunle Alaka, urged the graduates to collaborate closely with engineers by providing operational feedback that would improve equipment performance and overall efficiency.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Amina Oden thanked the management for investing in their development and pledged that the graduates would uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and dedication in the discharge of their duties.

The ceremony ended with the presentation of souvenirs to the NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, and the Director of Operations, Mr. Akin Osinowo, by the graduating locomotive pilots.

FG Courts China Logistics Deal to Power $1tn Economy Drive

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to deepen its transport and logistics partnership with China, declaring that an efficient logistics system will be central to Nigeria’s ambition of building a US$1 trillion economy by 2030.

Speaking virtually at the 2026 Ningbo–Africa Trade and Logistics Cooperation Forum in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China, the Technical Adviser to the Vice President on Transportation, Logistics and Innovation, Dr. Segun Obayendo, said the Tinubu administration was implementing strategic reforms and partnerships to modernise transport infrastructure, improve supply chain efficiency and position Nigeria as West Africa’s logistics and distribution hub.

Obayendo said the Renewed Hope Agenda places infrastructure development, trade facilitation, investment promotion and economic competitiveness at the heart of the administration’s economic agenda, stressing that these goals cannot be achieved without a modern and integrated transport system.

“Nigeria’s aspiration to build a one-trillion-dollar economy will depend not only on what we produce but also on how efficiently we move people, goods and services,” he said.

“Modern transport infrastructure, resilient supply chains and efficient logistics systems are fundamental to attracting investment, expanding trade and driving sustainable economic growth.”

He noted that Nigeria’s strategic location, vast natural resources, expanding consumer market and access to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provide a strong platform for regional economic leadership.

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0However, he said unlocking these opportunities would require sustained investment in multimodal transport infrastructure, seaports, rail networks, highways, inland dry ports, digital logistics platforms and integrated supply chains.

Obayendo described China’s zero-tariff policy for exports from African countries as a major opportunity for Nigeria to boost exports, strengthen local manufacturing, attract fresh investments and integrate more effectively into global value chains.

According to him, stronger Nigeria–China relations should extend beyond trade to include technology transfer, industrial development, infrastructure investment, innovation and skills development capable of generating sustainable jobs for millions of Nigerians.

He stressed that integrated logistics corridors connecting seaports, inland dry ports, rail lines, highways and warehousing facilities remain critical to reducing the cost of doing business, improving export competitiveness and maximising opportunities under AfCFTA.

The presidential aide commended the organisers of the forum—the Pan-African Institute for Supply Chain Innovation (PAISCI), the Ningbo China Institute for Supply Chain Innovation (NISCI) and China-base Group—for creating a platform that translates policy discussions into practical economic partnerships.

He also welcomed the proposed cooperation agreement on port development and logistics infrastructure between GK&A Logistics Services Limited and China-base Ningbo Foreign Trade Co. Ltd., describing it as a significant milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s logistics capacity and bilateral economic ties.

“Transport and logistics are no longer merely support services; they are strategic economic assets. Countries that invest in efficient logistics systems become more competitive, attract greater investment, create quality jobs and unlock new opportunities for sustainable development,” Obayendo said.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to policies and partnerships that promote efficient transportation, logistics innovation, trade facilitation and sustainable industrial development.

Obayendo expressed confidence that agreements reached at the Ningbo forum would deepen Nigeria–China economic cooperation, stimulate private sector investment and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade, while urging governments, development partners, financial institutions and the private sector to sustain collaboration in implementing the resolutions.

FG Courts China Logistics Deal to Power $1tn Economy Drive

Reps move to end dollar charges on locally refined petrol

The House of Representatives has moved to address growing concerns in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, opposing the continued use of US dollar-denominated charges for petroleum products refined and transported within the country while also pledging to investigate allegations of irregularities in the allocation of fuel import licences.

The House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) disclosed the planned intervention during an interactive session with major industry stakeholders, including the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) and the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN).

The engagement is part of ongoing consultations on proposed amendments to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and wider reforms aimed at strengthening domestic refining, improving energy security, encouraging investment and promoting a transparent and competitive downstream petroleum market.

Chairman of the committee, Ikenga Ugochinyere, said the lawmakers would invite the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), refiners and other relevant institutions to respond to concerns raised by industry operators.

He said the outcome of the consultations would guide proposed amendments to the PIA and other legislative measures designed to address regulatory gaps, reduce operational challenges and improve the efficiency of the downstream petroleum sector.

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“We’ll be meeting with the NMDPRA, NUPRC, the refiners—both modular refinery owners and the large refinery operators—as well as the NPA, the CBN and other relevant agencies on the issues that have been raised,” Ugochinyere said.

“These will form part of our downstream reforms, including proposed amendments to the Petroleum Industry Act and legislative motions to correct identified gaps.”

Ugochinyere expressed concern over reports that some port-related charges for petroleum products refined and moved entirely within Nigeria were still being billed in US dollars.

He said foreign currency charges on domestic petroleum transactions could increase the operating costs of marketers and eventually contribute to higher petrol pump prices, despite the fact that the products are produced and distributed locally.

“We have taken special note of the issue of dollar-denominated charges by the Nigerian Ports Authority,” the lawmaker said.

“It is not good for the economy that, at a time like this, people involved in domestic downstream activities are still being charged in dollars. That ultimately affects the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit.”

The committee also said it would investigate allegations that fuel import licences for the first, second and third quarters of 2026 were repeatedly allocated to the same group of marketers.

Ugochinyere said the NMDPRA would be required to explain the criteria used in issuing import permits and clarify whether all qualified operators were given fair and transparent access.

“We have also taken note of what you said about the lopsidedness in the issuance of import licences, where allocations for the first, second and third quarters went to the same set of operators,” he said.

“We will raise these questions when the NMDPRA appears before the committee to explain the criteria used in issuing those licences.”

The committee chairman said Nigeria must develop a balanced policy that supports the country’s expanding domestic refining capacity while protecting the investments of petroleum marketers who have built storage, distribution and logistics infrastructure over several decades.

He noted that the volume of fuel imports should reduce as more local refineries begin operations. However, he said Nigeria must retain reliable contingency arrangements to prevent shortages when domestic refineries undergo maintenance or experience production and logistics disruptions.

“How do we encourage and protect owners of domestic refineries while also protecting the investments of marketers?” Ugochinyere asked.

“We cannot continue importing the same volume of petroleum products as before, given that more refineries are coming on stream. At the same time, we must guarantee national energy security in case local refineries experience disruptions.”

“We need a balanced framework that supports domestic refining, preserves healthy competition and ensures the country always has a reliable fuel supply.”

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Presenting DAPPMAN’s memorandum, the association’s Executive Secretary, Olufemi Adewole, called on lawmakers to address what he described as structural challenges affecting petroleum marketers and depot operators.

Adewole said at least 72 of Nigeria’s 154 licensed petroleum depots recorded little or no consistent trading activity over the past year.

According to him, the situation was linked to an uneven operating environment, persistent trading losses and limited access to alternative sources of petroleum products.

“Not fewer than 72 of the 154 depots nationwide had no regular or consistent trading activity in the last one year,” Adewole said.

“They are merely paying salaries without engaging in meaningful business. This is largely due to an uneven playing field, persistent trading losses and the inability to access alternative sources of supply.”

While welcoming the growth of domestic refining, including operations at the Dangote Refinery, DAPPMAN warned against excessive market concentration in the supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.

The association said the downstream market should remain competitive and provide qualified marketers with fair access to locally refined petroleum products.

“Our experience has been one of mixed feelings, bordering on an almost total monopoly in the supply of PMS by the mega refinery,” Adewole said.

“Although the Petroleum Industry Act provides for a fully deregulated market where prices are determined by market forces, that has not been our experience.”

DAPPMAN also raised concerns over the alleged repeated allocation of fuel import permits to the same group of marketers and called for greater transparency and fairness in future allocations.

“The same set of marketers received import allocations in the first, second and third quarters of 2026, as though other qualified operators do not exist,” Adewole said.

“This is unacceptable, and we urge this committee to ensure greater transparency and fairness in future allocations.”

The association maintained that fuel importation should remain available as a regulated contingency option whenever domestic refining capacity is unable to meet national demand.

According to DAPPMAN, maintaining an import option could help prevent fuel shortages during refinery maintenance, operational disruptions or major supply-chain challenges.

“In order to avoid the return of fuel queues, the import option provided under the Petroleum Industry Act must remain available as a regulated contingency mechanism whenever domestic supply is insufficient,” Adewole said.

The association also alleged that marketers were subjected to duplicated port-related charges for petroleum products moved entirely within Nigeria.

It said operators could be billed at the loading point and again at the discharge port, while some local petroleum transactions continued to attract foreign currency-denominated charges.

“Marketers are invoiced at the loading point and again at the discharge port for products moved entirely within Nigeria,” Adewole said.

“More critically, certain charges are still imposed in US dollars despite the purely domestic nature of these transactions.”

DAPPMAN urged the National Assembly to ensure compliance with government directives on foreign currency billing for local transactions and introduce reforms that would reduce logistics costs across the petroleum supply chain.

The association also called for accelerated dredging of major waterways, rehabilitation of pipelines and depots, improved rail transportation for petroleum products and the development of a national downstream logistics master plan.

The National President of IPMAN, Abubakar Shettima, commended the Federal Government for encouraging private investment in domestic refining but said petroleum marketers continued to face high borrowing costs, multiple taxation, foreign exchange volatility, inadequate storage facilities and limited access to locally refined products.

He called for policies that would strengthen local refining while preserving competition and ensuring equitable access to petroleum products.

“We support strengthening domestic refining, but we also need equitable access to locally refined petroleum products, affordable financing and reduced regulatory costs that ultimately increase pump prices,” Shettima said.

The IPMAN president proposed the establishment of a specialised Petroleum Bank to provide single-digit interest loans to operators in the downstream sector.

He said many marketers relied on commercial bank loans with interest rates of up to 32 per cent, adding that high financing costs were often passed on to consumers through petrol prices.

“Today, marketers borrow from commercial banks at interest rates of up to 32 per cent,” he said.

“Those costs are eventually passed on to consumers. We are proposing a Petroleum Bank that will provide single-digit interest loans, similar to what exists in the agriculture and industrial sectors.”

Shettima also urged multinational oil companies involved in fuel importation to invest in Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity and support the country’s transition towards greater self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products.

He said the expansion of local refineries could reduce Nigeria’s exposure to foreign exchange pressures and international supply disruptions while creating new investment and employment opportunities.

On the future of Nigeria’s state-owned refineries, Shettima suggested that independent petroleum marketers should be allowed to participate in their management and operations.

“If independent marketers are allowed to participate in operating the government refineries, we believe we can contribute significantly to their revival,” he said.

The House committee’s consultations come as Nigeria seeks to consolidate reforms in the downstream petroleum sector following the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act and the expansion of domestic refining capacity.

The committee is expected to engage regulators, refiners, NNPC Limited, financial institutions and other stakeholders before proposing legislative measures aimed at improving transparency, encouraging investment, strengthening competition and ensuring a reliable supply of petroleum products.

The lawmakers’ intervention could influence future policies on local petrol pricing, fuel import permits, port charges, refinery access and downstream logistics as Nigeria works towards a more transparent, competitive and energy-secure petroleum market.

Reps move to end dollar charges on locally refined petrol