The China Railway Signal and Communication (CRSC) Group has launched an international seminar on Rail Transit Intelligent Control Systems for Nigerian engineers, scholars, and transport practitioners.
The programme was announced by Mr Umar Usman, spokesperson for the Federal Transportation University Daura (FUTD).
According to him, the seminar, currently ongoing in Beijing, China, is a major step towards deepening Nigerian cooperation in modern railway technology.
“The two-week programme, running from Nov. 20 to Dec. 4, brings together representatives from the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), and FUTD,” Usman said.
“The seminar stems from a tripartite agreement signed on Aug. 21, during FUTD’s second matriculation ceremony,” he added.
He noted that the partnership is expected to establish a Joint Intelligent Control Research Centre and state-of-the-art intelligent train control laboratories in Daura by 2026.
Welcoming the Nigerian delegation at the CRSC Headquarters in Beijing, CRSC Chairman Mr Zhang Jingfang described the event as an important milestone in the evolving relationship between China and Nigeria.
“Since our establishment in Beijing in 1953, we have been committed to advancing rail transit intelligent control technology, not only for China but as a partner in global progress,” Jingfang said.
He added that CRSC technologies now support rail systems in more than ten countries across four continents, including Nigeria.
During the seminar, participants will tour CRSC facilities, receive factory-based technical training, and attend specialised courses on railway signalling and low-altitude control systems.
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“The participants will also experience Maglev technology and immerse themselves in China’s dynamic urban landscape,” he said.
Mrs Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, a Nigerian diplomat at the embassy in Beijing, commended CRSC for its unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s transport development.
She highlighted that the foundations for the partnership were strengthened during the visit of Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation to CRSC in May 2024, followed by a reciprocal visit from CRSC’s Vice President to Nigeria in November 2024.
“This programme reflects mutual respect, benefit, and shared growth,” the Ambassador said, emphasising the crucial role of human capital development in Nigeria’s ongoing rail modernisation.
She noted that the seminar aims to equip Nigerian professionals with frontier knowledge in intelligent train control systems, build local technical expertise to manage Nigeria’s expanding rail network, and strengthen academic-industry collaboration between CRSC and FUTD.
Speaking for the Nigerian delegation, FUTD Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Umar Adam-Katsayal, expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Transportation for providing an enabling environment that allows the university to grow rapidly.
He praised CRSC’s hospitality and affirmed that the training would enhance participants’ skills and knowledge in railway signalling, control, and communication systems, while promoting cultural diplomacy between China and Nigeria.
According to him, the seminar represents a step towards a future where Nigerian engineers play a leading role in Africa’s rail technology transformation, guided by world-class expertise and strengthened bilateral cooperation.
