The Lagos State Government is placing greater emphasis on developing the skilled workforce needed to operate its expanding rail network, alongside ongoing investments in rail infrastructure across the state.
As part of its long-term transport strategy, the state has expanded its Strategic Transport Master Plan from six proposed rail lines to 11 rail lines and one monorail. To support this expansion, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has partnered with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to establish a railway training centre for Nigerians.
The training facility will equip participants with practical skills in train operations, customer service, engineering, maintenance and other specialised areas required to manage the state’s growing rail system.
LAMATA Managing Director, Abimbola Akinajo, said the rapid expansion of the rail network has increased the demand for qualified personnel, making the establishment of a certified railway training centre essential. According to her, trainees will receive classroom instruction, simulator-based learning, hands-on practical experience and professional assessments before joining the workforce.
Akinajo revealed that Lagos has already made significant progress in developing local expertise through the Blue and Red Line projects. More than 400 Nigerians have been trained as train operators, customer service officers and operations personnel, with the Blue Line now staffed by over 90 percent Nigerian employees, while only a few specialised technical positions remain occupied by foreign experts.
She noted that the government’s goal is to ensure Nigerians eventually handle the operation and maintenance of the entire rail network, creating employment opportunities while strengthening local technical capacity.
CCECC Vice President Sun Xiangchun said the railway training centre will provide Nigerians with the knowledge and practical experience needed to support the state’s expanding transport infrastructure. He added that the initiative aligns with the China-Africa Vocational Education Plan, which promotes technical education and workforce development across Africa.
Having delivered both the Lagos Blue and Red rail lines, CCECC stated that the expansion of the network will require more professionals trained in rail engineering, operations, maintenance and management.
The training centre is expected to play a vital role in ensuring Lagos has a steady supply of skilled professionals to operate what is projected to become one of Africa’s largest urban rail systems.
Meanwhile, the state has continued expanding its rail capacity. In April 2026, Lagos introduced new 24-car train sets to the Red Line to accommodate rising passenger demand and improve service delivery.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the additional trains will increase passenger capacity, shorten waiting times at stations and provide more reliable transportation for commuters across the state.
The expanded fleet is expected to support more frequent train services and strengthen the Red Line’s role in reducing traffic congestion by providing a faster and more efficient alternative to road transport.
