The Federal Government has urged contractors handling railway construction works across the country to ensure quality, durability and sustainability in line with international best practices.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Funso Adebiyi gave the directive during the inspection of the ongoing Kano railway station alongside key Ministry officials, Agency leadership and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Transportation and Mobility, Prince Ademola Adetokunbo Ade-John.

He also tasked the contractors on providing comprehensive local capacity building of young Nigerian Engineer before handing over rail and terminal infrastructure to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).

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

He also directed contractors to provide mechanised cleaning equipment for the regular maintenance of terminal glass structures, taking into account thermal expansion and contraction

He cautioned against excessive reliance on diesel generators and costly, unsustainable energy solutions.

To eliminate technical dependence on foreign contractors, Engr Adebiyi directed the NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, who was represented by the Director, Corporate Planning, Dr. James Zang to assemble a team of young, qualified Engineers for an intensive, month-long, hands-on training programme covering facility operations, replacement of consumables and maintenance procedures.

He emphasised that the training must be locally delivered, rigorous and examination-based, warning that staff who fail the computer-based assessment would face consequences in line with applicable Civil Service regulations.

According to the Permanent Secretary, the selected team will prioritise Engineers aged 35 and below, with at least 20 years of remaining in service, to promote continuity, accountability and career progression.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development, Adebiyi stressed that all projects must deliver value for taxpayers’ money, effective technology transfer and seamless handover to competent Nigerian professionals capable of safeguarding and maintaining national assets.