Lagos Partners CCECC To Establish Railway Training Centre For Skilled Workforce

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has signed a contract with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to establish a Railway Training Centre aimed at developing skilled professionals for the state’s expanding rail network.

The initiative is designed to address the shortage of a unified railway training and certification system in Lagos while strengthening local capacity in rail operations, maintenance and infrastructure development.

Speaking during the contract signing ceremony, LAMATA Managing Director, Abimbola Akinajo, said the three-year programme would provide internationally recognised training in railway signalling, electrification, maintenance and operations.

She explained that the project aligns with efforts to support industrialisation, ensure sustainable transport infrastructure and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.

According to Akinajo, Lagos intends to become a centre of excellence for railway expertise in Nigeria by training thousands of professionals, with at least 500 participants expected to graduate annually for roles in railway infrastructure.

She noted that although Nigeria once had a thriving railway system, the sector experienced years of decline. However, recent constitutional changes allowing states to participate in railway development have enabled Lagos to accelerate investment in rail transportation.

Akinajo said the state currently operates two rail lines, while five additional lines have been incorporated into its Strategic Transport Master Plan, alongside a proposed monorail system.

“Building rail infrastructure is only one part of the journey. Ensuring its long-term sustainability requires a highly skilled workforce, which is why the establishment of this training centre is critical,” she said.

LAMATA’s Head of Rail Operations, Joseph Akinpelu, said the facility would improve operational excellence and safety, reduce reliance on foreign expertise, create employment opportunities and build local capacity in line with global railway standards.

He disclosed that more than 400 Nigerians have already secured employment through ongoing rail projects and said the new training centre would further strengthen the country’s railway workforce through structured learning and certification programmes.

Akinpelu added that the centre would feature smart classrooms, railway simulators, practical on-site technical training and instruction from internationally recognised experts.

Vice President of CCECC, Sun Xiangchun, described the project as a significant step towards strengthening human capacity for sustainable rail transport operations.

He said the partnership reflects LAMATA’s long-term vision for developing a modern rail system and would position Lagos as a leading hub for railway talent development while ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled professionals for future railway projects across Nigeria.