‎Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has signed a contract on Development and Implementation of the LAMATA Railway Training Centre, with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

The contact aimed at ‎ bridging the gap of absence of a unified standard in railway system in Lagos State.

‎Speaking at the contract signing ceremony yesterday, Managing Director, LAMATA, Abimbola Akinajo, said the training programmes aims to produce experts in signaling, electrification, maintenance, and operations, noting that the three-year program will create an internationally recognised and certified training system.

‎She noted that the initiative supports industrialisation, infrastructure sustainability and national economic growth in Nigeria.

‎Akinajo stressed that Lagos aspires to become a resource centre for railway expertise across Nigeria, adding that the partnership aims to train thousands of Nigerians and at least 500 annually
‎for railway infrastructure roles.

‎”There was a time in Nigeria we had vibrant railway system which was sort of lulled. Recently we had railway taking out of the exclusive list and put on the concurrent list and LAMATA has taken full advantage of that by implementing two rail lines that are operational today.

‎ “We have five more rail lines that has been added to our strategic transfer master plan, which means that in totality Lagos is looking at implementing at least eleven rail lines and one monorail. The implementation and ability to build them is fantastic, but we need them to be sustainable, thus the establishment of a training school for railway systems,” she said.

‎ Head of Rail Operations, LAMATA, Joseph Akinpelu, said the centre would bring excellence in operations and safety, reduce dependency on foreign partners, create direct and indirect employment and develop human capital in thinking locally and developing with global standards.

‎He stated that the project seeks to establish a structured program for localised railway talent development. Adding that over 400 Nigerians have been employed since the project started.

‎According to him, the program will introduce standardised training and certification systems. This pilot scheme will establish a three-year training program covering maintenance and operation skills.

‎The project will leverage existing resources and involve world-class trainers. It would also have simulators, smart classrooms, and on-site technical team training.

‎Vice President, CCECC, Sun Xiangchun, applauding the comprehensive platform, said that strengthened capacity is crucial for sustainable rail transit operation.
‎ He noted that LAMATA has a significant vision for the rail transit system and maintenance, adding that this would make Lagos a leading hub for railway talent development.

‎He added that the project would ensure a steady supply of skilled professionals for future railway projects.