The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has graduated 31 new locomotive pilots as part of efforts to strengthen the workforce needed to drive the expansion of passenger and freight rail services across the country.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Managing Director of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, described locomotive pilots as central to the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s railway sector, saying they would play a critical role in improving operational efficiency, safety and the Corporation’s reform agenda.

Represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Dr. Monsurat Omotayo, Opeifa said the graduates completed more than one year of intensive theoretical and practical training designed to equip them with the skills required to operate modern rail systems.

He said the investment in human capital underscores the Corporation’s commitment to operational excellence and comes at a time when the Federal Government is pursuing reforms aimed at expanding rail infrastructure, deepening freight operations and encouraging greater state participation in railway development.

According to him, initiatives such as partnerships with state governments, the implementation of the Track Access Policy and the ongoing freight revolution will create new opportunities for rail transportation, with the newly certified locomotive pilots expected to play a key role in delivering the reforms.

“Locomotive pilots will be at the centre of these initiatives and the future of railway transportation in Nigeria,” he said.

Opeifa also assured the graduates, including two women, that the Corporation would continue to invest in capacity building and expose them to global best practices to enhance safety, efficiency and service delivery.

Providing details of the programme, Assistant Director, Motive Power, Abiodun Olokun, said 45 employees from different operational departments were shortlisted for the training, which took place at the NRC Training Schools in Lagos and Zaria, Kaduna State.

He explained that 31 participants successfully completed the programme, while 11 were retained for additional practical training to strengthen their competence. Two trainees failed to meet the required performance standard, while another withdrew after sustaining injuries in a road accident.

Olokun said the curriculum combined classroom instruction, simulator exercises and practical exposure across key operational departments to prepare the trainees for real-life rail operations.

Chief Locomotive Instructor, Godwin Edet, said the graduates demonstrated high levels of technical competence and professionalism, adding that they were capable of competing with locomotive operators globally.

Also speaking, Technical Adviser to the Managing Director on Railway Operations and Services, Adeife Olukolade, urged the graduates to adhere strictly to operational procedures and safety regulations, while Director of Operations, Akin Osinowo, reminded them of their responsibility for the safe movement of passengers and freight, a strategic focus of the current administration.

Director of Civil Engineering and New Lines, Adekunle Ayeni, described the graduation as a positive development for the Corporation but called for similar investment in recruiting and training younger engineers to replace retiring personnel in the civil engineering department.

Deputy Director, Mechanical, Electrical, Signals and Telecommunications, Habeeb Alaka, encouraged the graduates to collaborate closely with engineering teams by providing operational feedback that would improve equipment performance and overall efficiency.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Class Governor Amina Oden thanked the NRC management for investing in their development and pledged that the new locomotive pilots would uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and safety in the discharge of their duties.

The graduation is expected to bolster the NRC’s capacity as it expands rail services, modernises operations and seeks to position rail transport as a more efficient and competitive option for passenger mobility and freight logistics in Nigeria.