Yomi Durojaye
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has described locomotive pilots as the driving force behind the ongoing transformation and reforms in Nigeria's railway sector.
Dr. Opeifa made this known at the graduation ceremony of 31 newly trained locomotive pilots who successfully completed over one year of intensive theoretical and practical training in locomotive operations.
Represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Dr. Monsurat Omotayo, the Managing Director said the training reflects the Corporation's unwavering commitment to safety, professionalism and operational excellence.
He noted that the newly graduated pilots would play a critical role in the ongoing expansion of railway operations across the country.
According to him, the current administration remains committed to initiatives such as partnering with state governments on rail development, a move that will enable more states to provide affordable and reliable rail transportation for their residents.
"Also close to the heart of this management are the Track Access Policy and the freight revolution. As locomotive pilots, you will be at the centre of these initiatives and the future of railway transportation in Nigeria," Dr. Opeifa stated.
He assured the new pilots, including two women, of the Corporation's commitment to continuous capacity building, stressing that sustained exposure to global best practices would further strengthen safety, efficiency and reliability in railway operations.
Earlier, the Assistant Director Motive Power, Mr. Abiodun Olokun, disclosed that 45 staff members drawn from various operational departments of the Corporation were shortlisted for the training programme, which was conducted at the NRC Training Schools in Lagos and Zaria, Kaduna State.
Olokun, commended the Managing Director for ensuring the successful completion of the programme.
He explained that 31 trainees successfully graduated, while 11 others have been directed to continue with further practical training to enhance their competence. He added that two trainees did not meet the required performance standard, while one trainee could not complete the programme following a road accident. The three have been returned to their respective departments.
According to him, all trainees were taught by experienced instructors and underwent simulator training at the Zaria Training Institute.
"We had three months of intensive classroom instruction followed by six months of practical training covering all operational departments. The programme was designed to expose the trainees not only to the locomotives but also to the operational environment in which they will work," he said.
The Chief Locomotive Instructor, Mr. Godwin Edet, described the graduating pilots as outstanding both theoretically and practically, saying they possess the competence to compete with locomotive operators anywhere in the world.
"We are proud of these graduates and can confidently attest to their competence, discipline and professionalism. They will undoubtedly be good ambassadors of the Nigerian Railway Corporation," Edet said.
The Technical Adviser to the Managing Director on Railway Operations and Services, Mr. Adeife Olukolade, congratulated the graduates for choosing the locomotive operations profession and urged them to always be guided by the operational rule book presented to them.
He reminded them that while operational incidents may occur, adherence to safety procedures remains the best way to prevent accidents.
Also speaking, the Director of Operations, Mr. Akin Osinowo, urged the new pilots to remain committed, disciplined and safety-conscious, noting that they would be responsible for the lives of hundreds of passengers as well as the safe movement of freight, an area currently receiving significant attention under the present administration.
The Director of Civil Engineering and New Lines, Engr. Adekunle Ayeni, described the graduation of the young locomotive pilots as a symbol of renewed hope for the Corporation.
He appealed for similar attention to be given to the Civil Engineering Department through the recruitment and training of younger engineers to replace the ageing workforce and retiring personnel.
In his goodwill message, the Deputy Director, Mechanical, Electrical, Signals and Telecommunications, Engr. Olakunle Alaka, commended the dedication of both the instructors and trainees throughout the programme.
He noted that the graduates' technical backgrounds within the Corporation would enable them to contribute beyond locomotive driving and encouraged them to work closely with engineers in their various divisions by providing regular operational feedback to improve efficiency and equipment performance.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, the Class Governor, Amina Oden, expressed appreciation to the Managing Director and the management of the Corporation for investing in their training and restoring pride to the locomotive operations cadre.
She assured management that the graduates would justify the confidence reposed in them through professionalism, discipline and dedication to duty.
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of souvenirs to the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, and the Director of Operations, Mr. Akin Osinowo, by the graduating locomotive pilots.
