Nigeria Ministry of Transportation mandates durable railway components and local engineer training

The Nigerian Federal Ministry of Transportation has issued directives to contractors working on railway projects, emphasizing the need for high-quality, durable components and sustainable maintenance practices. During an inspection of the Kano-Maradi railway project, Permanent Secretary Funso Adebiyi warned against the use of short-lived materials, specifically mandating that lighting systems have a minimum service life of three years.

To ensure long-term operational viability and reduce reliance on foreign technical support, contractors are required to install equipment that can be serviced and maintained locally. This includes the use of customized lamp holders and motorized maintenance tools. Adebiyi also cautioned against designs that depend heavily on expensive energy systems or diesel generators, and requested that contractors provide mechanized cleaning equipment for glass structures to account for thermal expansion and contraction.

Furthermore, the ministry has ordered the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to implement an intensive, month-long practical training program for young Nigerian engineers. This program aims to equip local staff with the technical skills necessary to manage facility operations, replace consumables, and perform standard maintenance before projects are officially handed over.