Dangote Cement Re-trains Over 900 Truck Drivers to Enhance Safety, Efficiency

Dangote Cement Re-trains Over 900 Truck Drivers to Enhance Safety, Efficiency

…Reaffirms commitment to safer roads and regulatory compliance

Dangote Cement Plc has re-trained hundreds of its truck drivers as part of ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency and promote road safety across Nigeria.

The exercise, held at the company’s Ibese Plant in Ilaro, Ogun State, brought together more than 900 drivers. A similar retreat is scheduled to take place at Obajana, Kogi State, next week.

Speaking at the 2025 Annual Drivers’ Retreat, the Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement, Mr. Arvind Pathak, said safety on Nigerian roads remains central to the company’s operations given its large fleet of trucks nationwide.

He explained that the yearly programme reinforces the company’s Absolute Safer Road Policy, which focuses on training, ethical conduct, and strict compliance with safety standards.

“Every driver in our employment undergoes a rigorous recruitment and training process that includes medical checks, drug and alcohol testing, vision screening, and a two-week safety programme with practical driving assessments,” Pathak stated.

According to him, more than 2,000 prospective drivers have successfully completed the process in the past two months, with only qualified candidates cleared to operate Dangote trucks. He added that drivers also undergo mandatory pre-trip medical examinations to ensure they are fit to drive.

Pathak further stressed Dangote Cement’s collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other agencies to monitor compliance, enforce behavioural standards, and continuously improve safety measures.

Also speaking, the Group Chief, Health, Safety, Social and Environment Officer of Dangote Industries Limited, Dr. James Adenuga, said the retraining exercise was not only to enforce discipline but also to constantly remind drivers about the importance of safety.

He noted that criteria for employment include a minimum of a secondary school certificate, 2–5 years of driving experience, ability to read and write in English, a valid Class-G driver’s licence, guarantors, and being free of substance abuse.

“We partner with the FRSC to equip them with the fundamentals of professional driving. We also recognise and reward drivers who demonstrate exemplary behaviour on the road,” Adenuga added.

Delivering a lecture on safe driving habits, Road Safety Expert, Mr. Oje Ebhota, cautioned against aggressive driving, impatience, phone use while driving, alcohol consumption, and disobedience to traffic rules.

He urged the drivers to maintain the 60km/h speed limit and avoid dangerous overtaking, stressing that they represent Dangote Group as ambassadors on the road.

Dangote Cement reaffirmed that its commitment to safety goes beyond training, with strict enforcement of its zero-tolerance policy on substance use and continued investment in systems that ensure accountability, transparency, and compassion in its logistics operations.