ROAD SAFETY: 1,500 Dangote Cement Drivers Undergo Mandatory Screening

 ROAD SAFETY: 1,500 Dangote Cement Drivers Undergo Mandatory Screening

No fewer than 1,500 truck drivers under the employment of Dangote Cement Plc have successfully undergone intensive medical, psychological, and physical screening to ensure fitness for safe driving on Nigerian roads.

The Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Arvind Pathak, disclosed this during the company’s 2025 Annual Drivers’ Retreat held in Ilaro, Ogun State.

Pathak explained that the exercise, which is now mandatory, has become more comprehensive given the state of the nation’s highways and the need to guarantee public safety.

“Every driver employed by Dangote Cement is required to undergo a rigorously structured recruitment process,” Pathak stated. “This includes possession of a valid Class G driver’s licence, thorough background verification of both the driver and guarantors, and comprehensive medical checks such as vision tests, blood pressure monitoring, body mass index, random blood sugar tests, as well as drug and alcohol screening.”

He noted that within the last two months alone, more than 1,500 prospective drivers completed the process, with only those who met the standards certified to operate the company’s vehicles.

Beyond recruitment, Pathak said Dangote Cement conducts mandatory pre-trip medical assessments for all drivers, carried out by licensed medical professionals. He stressed that the company remains committed to training and retraining its fleet drivers to enhance safe and efficient operations nationwide.

“As a leading cement manufacturer with thousands of trucks on Nigerian roads, safety remains a top priority for us,” he added. “We recognize our responsibility not just to our drivers, but also to other road users. Our commitment to road safety is anchored on transparency, ethical conduct, and clear systems to mitigate against road mishaps.”

Pathak further assured that Dangote Cement continues to collaborate with the Nigeria Police and other relevant agencies in investigating road-related incidents involving its fleet, and routinely implements recommendations to strengthen public safety.

He revealed that the company’s recruitment process also includes a three-month substance-use detection screening, followed by a two-week intensive training programme comprising 12 safety modules, practical driving tests, and written examinations.