By MyEngineers
The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ibadan Branch, recently conducted a technical visit to the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) Standard Gauge Station in Moniya, on December 20, 2024 Ibadan, focusing on safety, staff training, and future collaboration.
According to the Branch PRO, Engr. Kunle Adejumo, the visit was led by Branch Chairman Engr. Ibraheem Folarin Bello, the delegation, including past Chairman Engr. R. A. Salawu and student members, was received by Western District Railway District Manager Engr. Angelique Ikewuka and Director of Mechanical/Electrical/Signal & Telecommunications Engr. Jerry Oche.
Key discussions during the December 20, 2024 visit centered on several critical areas:
Staff Training and Capacity Building: The NSE stressed the importance of continuous training for NRC staff to improve technical skills and operational efficiency.
Collaboration Opportunities: The NSE and NRC explored potential partnerships, particularly in skill acquisition programs for engineers and technicians.
Standard Gauge Operations: The visit provided insights into rolling stock maintenance, infrastructure design and construction, operational challenges (such as delays and breakdowns), and strategies for improving passenger and cargo services. Engr. Oche provided a comprehensive overview of the standard gauge project from its inception.
Safety Concerns:The NSE Chairman raised concerns about the observed lack of consistent use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) by workers. While the Railway District Manager assured that NRC safety officers enforce PPE use, the NSE emphasized the need for strict adherence to safety regulations.
Future Expansion: Discussions included the NRC’s plans to expand rail services beyond the Lagos-Ibadan corridor, with Engr. Oche confirming federal government plans to link Ibadan to Kaduna via Ilorin.
NSE 2025 Conference:, The NSE Chairman solicited support from the NRC for the 2025 NSE International Conference and AGM, to be held in Ibadan, encouraging sponsorship of NRC members. The Railway District Manager (RDM) responded that she would do everything within her capacity to support the hosting and sponsor many of her registered staffs earlier for the conference if she still remained in Ibadan at that time.
The NSE presented a gift to the Railway District Manager in appreciation for the visit. Following the visit, the NSE recommended that the NRC prioritize staff training, strictly enforce safety regulations, and integrate collaboration with professional bodies like the NSE in its expansion plans.
The Technical visit is a part of the NSE Ibadan Branch’s efforts to promoting professional excellence and supporting infrastructure development in Nigeria.
It also provided an opportunity for engineers to have first hand experience of the progress and future of railway projects in Nigeria.