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The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Funso Adebiyi, has directed contractors handling railway projects in the country to ensure quality, durable, sustainable maintenance and comprehensive local capacity building.
Engr. Adebiyi gave the directives during a joint fact-finding inspection on the ongoing construction of the 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.
The Permanent Secretary rejected 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 the contractors against excessive reliance on diesel generators and costly, unsustainable energy solutions.
Engr. Adebiyi directed the NRC Managing Director, Dr. Isiak 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.
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