Dangote Cement Re-trains Hundreds of Truck Drivers to Strengthen Operational Efficiency

…reiterates commitment to Absolute Safer Roads Policy

Dangote Cement Plc (DCP) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to continuous training and retraining of its truck drivers as part of efforts to enhance operational efficiency and ensure safer roads across Nigeria.

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Speaking at the Company’s 2025 Annual Drivers’ Retreat themed “Absolute Safer Roads”, Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement, Mr. Arvind Pathak, emphasised that with thousands of trucks in its fleet, road safety remains a core priority for the organisation. He noted that the annual retreat serves as a platform to reinforce the company’s values and renew drivers’ commitment to its Absolute Safer Roads Policy.

The latest training session, held at DCP’s Ibese Plant in Ilaro, Ogun State, drew over 900 participants, while another session is scheduled to hold at Obajana, Kogi State, next week for hundreds of additional drivers.

Pathak stressed the Company’s dedication to road safety, transparency, ethical conduct, and strict adherence to procedures designed to minimise road incidents nationwide. He explained that Dangote Cement works closely with the Nigeria Police and other relevant authorities in investigating reported cases, providing full support for lawful processes, and implementing recommendations to further strengthen public safety.

According to him, every Dangote driver undergoes a rigorous recruitment process that includes possession of a valid Class-G driver’s licence, comprehensive background checks on the applicant and guarantors, full medical screening—including vision tests, blood pressure and sugar checks, body mass index (BMI) assessments, and drug/alcohol testing.

“In the past two months alone, over 2,000 prospective drivers have successfully completed this process. Only candidates who meet all standards are certified to operate Dangote trucks. Beyond recruitment, our drivers are also subjected to mandatory pre-trip medical checks, regular monitoring of blood pressure and vision, and continuous random drug testing to enforce compliance with our zero-tolerance policy on substance use,” Pathak stated.

He further highlighted the Company’s strong collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other regulators in designing, monitoring, and improving its training and compliance programmes.

Also speaking, Group Chief, Health, Safety, Social and Environment Officer & Sustainability Function, Dangote Industries Limited, Dr. James Adenuga, underscored the importance of regular training, stressing that the exercise is not only about rules but also about instilling a culture of safety in a way drivers can easily relate to. He listed the recruitment prerequisites, including a minimum of secondary school education, proficiency in spoken and written English, 2–5 years’ driving experience, freedom from substance abuse, valid Class-G driver’s licence, and successful completion of intensive training modules.

“We partner with FRSC to prepare drivers professionally, providing them with the fundamentals to avoid reckless driving. We also have recognition programmes to reward drivers who demonstrate exemplary behaviour and professionalism on the road,” Adenuga said.

In his paper on “Safe Driving Habits for Accident-Free Journeys”, Road Safety Expert Mr. Oje Ebhota cautioned drivers against aggressive or impatient driving, phone use while driving, alcohol consumption, and disobedience to traffic signs. He further advised them to avoid dangerous overtaking and to adhere strictly to speed limits, particularly 60km per hour, to prevent accidents.

“Drivers are the ambassadors of Dangote Group,” he noted. “Beyond that, you are stakeholders whose responsibility is to ensure not only your safety but also that of other road users.”