The People's Republic of China under the China Railway Signal and Communication (CRSC) has organized and held an international seminar on Rail Transit Intelligence Control Systems for Nigeria with the aim of equipping Nigerian engineers, scholars, and practitioners with frontier knowledge in intelligent train control systems.
The seminar which holds between Thursday, 20th November, 2025, and Thursday, 4th December, 2025, is being attended by representatives of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and the Federal University of Transportation, Daura (FUTD), Katsina State.
The seminar was born out of the tripartite agreement signed in August, 2025 between the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Federal University of Transportation, Daura, and the CRSC.
The agreement was signed specifically on 21st August, 2025, during the second matriculation ceremony of the Federal University of Transportation, Daura, in Katsina State.
As this agreement was signed, plan is underway for the establishment of a Joint Intelligent Control Research Centre and the provision of cutting-edge intelligent train control laboratory equipment in FUTD, in 2026.
Delivering welcome remarks during the opening ceremony of the seminar at the CRSC Headquarters, Beijing, China, the Chairman of the CRSC, Mr. Zhang Jingfang, welcomed the delegates to China, saying that their participation marks an important milestone in the relationship between the CRSC and Federal Ministry of Transportation as it also reflects the shared vision for advancing rail transit technology together.
"Since our establishment in Beijing in 1953, we have been committed to advancing rail transit intelligent control technology - not just for China, but as a partner in global progress.
"Over the past seventy-two years, our mission has remained clear which is to help build railway systems that are safe, efficient, and sustainable, wherever we work.
"It is this mission that guides our international partnerships today. Through China's 'Belt and Road' initiative, we are committed to promoting open and cooperative international relations.
"We are proud to see CRSC's technologies being applied in more than ten countries across four continents, including in Nigeria", Mr. Zhang said.
He then expressed the China's aprreciation to Nigeria, especially the Federal Ministry of Transportation, for its trust and confidence on the CRSC.
He said that, the participants would through their fifteen days stay in China, be exposed to the CRSC's facilities; attend specialized courses on railway signalling and low-altitude control systems; receive factory training; experience Maglev train technology, and explore the vibrant city of China.
He then expressed hope that, the training would provide the participants with practical knowledge and inspiration to contribute further to Nigeria's transportation development.
On her own part, Amb. Mrs. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, mni, the Nigerian Ambassador to China, appreciated the CRSC for hosting the programme and for its unwavering commitment to Nigeria's transport development.
She recalled that, the foundations of the corporation witnessed, were laid during the visit of the Honorable Minister of Transportation of Nigeria to the CRSC's Headquaters in May, 2024.
"The relationship was further deepened during the reciprocal visit of the CRSC's Vice President to Nigeria in November, 2024, signalling sincerity of purpose and a shared determination by both sides to institutionalize long-term technical cooperation.
"We appreciate the CRSC's generocity and technical leadership, and we recognize this as a practical demonstration of China's positive partnership with Nigeria under the principles of mutual respect, mutual benefit, and shared growth", she said.
While emphasizing on the postive transformation in the modernization of Nigeria's railway infrastructure, she recognized the importance of human capacity development.
She said that, the seminar would result in the achievement of 3 important objectives: to equip Nigerian engineers, scholars, and practitioners with frontier knowledge in intelligent train control systems; build local expertise that will manage, maintain, and innovate upon Nigeria's rapidly expanding rail infrastructure; and enhance the academic-industry linkage between CRSC and FUTD, ensuring that the new University becomes a true centre of excellence for transport technology in Africa.
She then urged the participants to pay attention and always be good ambassadors of Nigeria wherever they found themselves.
Speaking on behalf of the delegates, the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Transportation, Daura, Hon. Prof. Umar Adam Katsayal, mni, appreciated the support of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, under the leadership of Sen. Said Ahmed Alkali for providing the enabling environment for the University to progress rapidly.
He thanked the CRSC for hosting the event and expressed confidence that the partnership between China and Nigeria would benefit both countries.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the training would enhance the skills and knowledge of participants in railway signalling, control, and communication systems, and promote cultural diplomacy between China and Nigeria.
Umar Usman
Chief Information and Communications Officer
20th November, 2025
