Federal government approves new train coaches, security measures

President Bola Tinubu has approved additional train coaches and security equipment to boost railway services and tackle banditry, kidnapping and vandalism.

The items approved include more coaches to increase passenger and freight capacity, and surveillance systems to secure rail infrastructure and protect passengers, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Funso Adebiyi, disclosed over the weekend.

Adebiyi, who spoke during an inspection tour of the Kano-Maradi railway project, said the ministry was also training railway workers to operate and maintain the new coaches upon delivery.

Stating that insecurity remains a major challenge, he noted that attacks on rail infrastructure disrupt operations, endanger lives and raise maintenance costs.

Meanwhile, the federal government has charged the railway project contractors across the country to ensure quality, durability and sustainability, in line with international best practices.

The government further tasked the contractors to provide comprehensive local capacity building of young Nigerian engineers before handing over rail and terminal infrastructure projects to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).

Adebiyi rejected the installation of short-life consumables, mandating a minimum of three-year lifespan for bulbs and light fittings with customised lamp holders and mobile motorised equipment, to facilitate easy local replacement.

He also directed contractors to provide mechanised cleaning equipment for the regular maintenance of terminal glass structures, considering thermal expansion and contraction, and cautioned against over-reliance on diesel generators and costly, unsustainable energy solutions.

To eliminate technical dependence on foreign contractors and promote continuity, accountability and career progression, Adebiyi directed the NRC Managing Director, Dr Kayode Opeifa, to assemble a team of young, qualified engineers for a month-long hands-on training programme on facility operations, replacement of consumables and maintenance procedures.

Prioritising engineers aged 35 and below, with no less than 20 years remaining in their career, the permanent secretary further emphasised locally delivered and examination-based training. He warned that members of staff who fail the computer-based assessment would face the consequences in line with applicable Civil Service regulations. 

Adebiyi stressed effective technology transfer and seamless handover to competent Nigerian professionals capable of safeguarding and maintaining national assets.