By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Funso Adebiyi, has directed contractors handling railway projects across the country to ensure infrastructure durability, sustainable maintenance and comprehensive training of Nigerian engineers before handing over facilities to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
Adebiyi gave the directive on Friday, October 16, 2026, during a joint fact-finding inspection of the ongoing construction of Kano Railway Station, alongside ministry officials, agency representatives and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Transportation and Mobility, Prince Ademola Adetokunbo Ade-John.
He rejected the use of short-life consumables, directing contractors to provide bulbs and light fittings with a minimum lifespan of three years. He also called for customized lamp holders and mobile motorized equipment to enable easy replacement and maintenance by local personnel.
The Permanent Secretary further directed contractors to provide mechanised cleaning equipment for maintaining terminal glass structures, taking into account thermal expansion and contraction. He also cautioned against excessive dependence on diesel generators and expensive, unsustainable energy solutions.
To reduce reliance on foreign contractors, Adebiyi directed the NRC Managing Director, Dr. Isiak Kayode Opeifa, represented by the Director of Corporate Planning, Dr. James Zang, to assemble a team of young, qualified engineers for an intensive, month-long, hands-on training programme.
The training will cover facility operations, replacement of consumables and maintenance procedures. Adebiyi stressed that the programme must be delivered locally and include rigorous computer-based assessments, warning that staff who fail the examinations would face consequences in line with applicable Civil Service regulations.
He said priority should be given to engineers aged 35 and below, with at least 20 years remaining in service, to ensure continuity, accountability and career progression.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development, Adebiyi said railway projects must deliver value for taxpayers’ money, effective technology transfer and seamless handover to competent Nigerian professionals capable of maintaining and protecting national assets.
He added that building local technical capacity was essential to ensuring the effective maintenance and protection of the nation’s railway assets.
