NRC Graduates 31 Locomotive Pilots, Says They Will Drive Nigeria’s Rail Transformation
OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has graduated 31 newly trained locomotive pilots, describing them as critical to the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s railway sector and the expansion of rail operations across the country.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Managing Director of the NRC, , said locomotive pilots remain at the heart of the corporation’s reform agenda and will play a pivotal role in delivering safer, more efficient and reliable railway services nationwide.
Represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Dr. Monsurat Omotayo, Opeifa said the graduates had successfully completed more than one year of intensive theoretical and practical training in locomotive operations, underscoring the corporation’s commitment to safety, professionalism and operational excellence.
He noted that the newly qualified pilots would support the expansion of railway services and help drive key initiatives of the current administration aimed at strengthening the country’s rail transport system.
According to him, the Federal Government remains committed to collaborating with state governments on rail development projects to provide affordable and dependable transportation for millions of Nigerians.
Opeifa also highlighted the corporation’s Track Access Policy and the ongoing freight transportation revolution as major priorities, stressing that the new locomotive pilots would be central to the successful implementation of both initiatives.
“As locomotive pilots, you will be at the centre of these initiatives and the future of railway transportation in Nigeria,” he said.
The NRC boss further assured the graduates, including two female locomotive pilots, that the corporation would continue to invest in their professional development through regular capacity-building programmes and exposure to global best practices to enhance safety, efficiency and service delivery.
Earlier, the Assistant Director of Motive Power, Mr. Abiodun Olokun, disclosed that 45 staff members from different operational departments of the corporation were initially selected for the training programme, which was conducted at the NRC Training Schools in Lagos and Zaria, Kaduna State.
He explained that 31 trainees successfully completed the programme, while 11 others would undergo additional practical training to improve their competence. Two trainees did not meet the required performance standards, while another was unable to complete the programme following injuries sustained in a road accident. The three have since returned to their respective departments.
Olokun commended the corporation’s management for ensuring the successful execution of the programme, adding that participants received three months of intensive classroom instruction followed by six months of practical training across key operational departments.
He said the trainees were taught by experienced instructors and also underwent simulator training at the Zaria Training Institute to prepare them for real-life railway operations.
Chief Locomotive Instructor, Mr. Godwin Edet, described the graduating pilots as highly competent both academically and practically, expressing confidence in their ability to perform alongside locomotive operators anywhere in the world.
“We are proud of these graduates and can confidently attest to their competence, discipline and professionalism. They will undoubtedly be good ambassadors of the Nigerian Railway Corporation,” he said.
The Technical Adviser to the Managing Director on Railway Operations and Services, Mr. Adeife Olukolade, congratulated the graduates and urged them to remain committed to the corporation’s operational rule book, stressing that strict adherence to safety procedures remains the most effective means of preventing railway accidents.
Also speaking, the Director of Operations, Mr. Akin Osinowo, charged the new locomotive pilots to remain disciplined, dedicated and safety-conscious, noting that they would be entrusted with the responsibility of transporting hundreds of passengers safely while supporting the movement of freight, a sector receiving increased government attention.
The Director of Civil Engineering and New Lines, Engr. Adekunle Ayeni, described the graduation of the young pilots as a positive development for the corporation and called for similar investment in recruiting and training young engineers to replace ageing personnel within the Civil Engineering Department.
Similarly, the Deputy Director of Mechanical, Electrical, Signals and Telecommunications, Engr. Habeeb Olakunle Alaka, praised both the instructors and trainees for their commitment throughout the programme.
He said the graduates’ technical knowledge would enable them to contribute beyond locomotive operations by working closely with engineering teams and providing operational feedback to improve equipment performance and overall efficiency.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, the Class Governor, Amina Oden, thanked the NRC management for investing in their development and restoring confidence in the locomotive operations cadre.
She pledged that the graduates would uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and dedication in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of commemorative souvenirs by the graduating locomotive pilots to the NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, and the Director of Operations, Mr. Akin Osinowo.
