Lagos to Train 500 Rail Experts Annually Under New LAMATA Initiative

Lagos to Train 500 Rail Experts Annually Under New LAMATA Initiative
Signs Deal With CCECC to Develop Railway Training Centre
Moves to Reduce Foreign Dependence

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has signed a contract with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to establish a Railway Training Centre aimed at developing skilled manpower for the state’s growing rail network.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the agreement, signed in Lagos, is expected to address the shortage of a unified railway training and certification system while building local capacity in rail operations, maintenance, signalling and electrification.

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Speaking at the signing ceremony, LAMATA Managing Director, Abimbola Akinajo, said the three-year training programme is designed to produce at least 500 railway professionals annually.

She explained that the centre would provide internationally recognised certification and help create a sustainable workforce to support Lagos’ expanding rail infrastructure.

According to Akinajo, the initiative aligns with the state’s industrialisation agenda, infrastructure sustainability goals and broader economic development plans.

She noted that Lagos aims to become a national hub for railway expertise by equipping Nigerians with the technical skills needed to operate and maintain modern rail systems.

Reflecting on the country’s rail history, Akinajo said Nigeria once had a thriving railway network and added that Lagos has leveraged the constitutional transfer of railways from the exclusive to the concurrent legislative list to advance its rail projects.

She disclosed that the state currently has two operational rail lines, with five additional lines included in its Strategic Transport Master Plan.

“In totality, Lagos is looking at implementing no fewer than 11 rail lines and one monorail,” she said.

“The ability to build these rail lines is important, but ensuring they remain sustainable is why we are establishing a railway training school.”

LAMATA’s Head of Rail Operations, Joseph Akinpelu, said the centre would improve operational excellence and safety, reduce reliance on foreign technical partners, create employment opportunities and develop railway professionals with globally competitive skills.

Lagos to Train 500 Rail Experts Annually Under New LAMATA Initiative

He added that more than 400 Nigerians have already been employed through the rail project and that the training centre would further strengthen local talent development through structured certification programmes.

According to Akinpelu, trainees will undergo a three-year maintenance and operations programme using simulators, smart classrooms and practical on-site technical training.

Also speaking, Vice President of CCECC, Sun Xiangchun, described the project as a significant step towards strengthening technical capacity for sustainable rail transportation.

He commended LAMATA’s long-term vision, expressing confidence that the initiative would position Lagos as a leading centre for railway talent development in Nigeria.