Lagos is planning a major expansion of its urban rail network, increasing the rail component of its Strategic Transport Master Plan from six lines and one monorail to 11 lines and one monorail. Delivering and operating a network of this scale will require a substantial pipeline of trained railway personnel.
The proposed training centre will support Nigerian capacity in railway operations, signalling, maintenance, customer service and management. It is also intended to reduce reliance on foreign technical expertise, support employment and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit system.
The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has signed an agreement with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to establish a railway training centre to support the expansion of Lagos State’s rail network.
The agreement follows an update to the Lagos Strategic Transport Master Plan, which expands the rail component from six rail lines and one monorail to 11 rail lines and one monorail.
LAMATA Managing Director Engr. Mrs Abimbola Akinajo said the centre would help ensure that the expanding rail system is operated and maintained by skilled Nigerian professionals.
She said more than 400 personnel had already been trained for the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue and Red Lines.
“Since we started the Blue and Red Line operations, we have trained over 400 personnel, including train drivers, customer service representatives and operations staff,” she said. “On the Blue Line alone, we have achieved over 90 per cent local staffing, with technical partners filling only the remaining gaps.”
Akinajo said the expanded rail master plan required a structured and internationally certified training institution.
“The Strategic Transport Master Plan has now been updated to include 11 rail lines and one monorail. For a network of this scale to be sustainable, we need a proper certified training system covering signalling, maintenance, operations and customer service,” she said.
“Our goal is to ensure that the infrastructure we build is operated and maintained by Nigerians. This will guarantee the longevity of our transit systems, create meaningful employment opportunities for our youths and contribute significantly to the growth of the Nigerian economy.”
The centre will provide training in railway operations, maintenance, signalling, customer service and management. It is also intended to reduce Lagos State’s dependence on foreign technical expertise as the rail network expands.
CCECC Vice President Mr Sun Xiangchun said the initiative aligned with the China-Africa Vocational Education Plan and would support technical education and industrial development.
CCECC delivered the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue and Red Lines and expects the planned network expansion to increase demand for trained railway personnel.
The proposed centre will combine classroom instruction, simulation-based learning, practical training and professional skills assessment.
“The establishment of a professional and integrated railway training centre is not only timely but essential for the sustainable development of Lagos’ rail transit system,” Xiangchun said.
LAMATA Technical Adviser for Public Transport Rail Engr. Olasunkanmi Okusaga, Head of Corporate Communication, Mr Kolawole Ojelabi, senior LAMATA officials and CCECC executives attended the signing ceremony.
