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

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.