Dangote Cement Plc has reiterated its unwavering commitment to ensuring safer roads across Nigeria through the continuous training and retraining of its fleet drivers.
Speaking at the 2025 Annual Drivers’ Retreat held in Ilaro for drivers of the company’s Ibese Plant, Ogun State, the Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement, Mr. Arvind Pathak, emphasised the company’s proactive approach to road safety.
“As a leading cement manufacturer with thousands of trucks in its fleet, safety on the road remains its core mandate,” he stated during the event, which had over 200 drivers in attendance.
Mr. Pathak stated the company’s comprehensive recruitment and training protocols, noting that Dangote Cement maintains high ethical standards and strict safety procedures to minimise road incidents.
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He noted that, “every driver employed by Dangote Cement is required to undergo an extensive and rigorously structured recruitment process that includes: Valid Driver’s licence class G, background verification of both the driver and their guarantors, comprehensive medical evaluation, including vision screening (eye test), blood pressure checks, BMI – body mass index, RBS – random blood sugar test as well as drug and alcohol testing. This screening covers usage within a three-month detection window, ensuring we identify any history of substance use before employment
“Other recruitment screening includes completion of a two-week intensive training programme, which consists of twelve safety modules, practical driving assessments, and written examinations,” he added.
Highlighting recent progress, Mr. Pathak revealed, “In the past two months alone, over 500 prospective drivers have successfully completed this process. Only those who meet all required standards were engaged and certified to operate any Dangote Group vehicles.”
“Our commitment to safety extends beyond recruitment. All drivers undergo mandatory pre-trip medical assessments, conducted by licensed nurses and doctors. These include regular checks on blood pressure, vision, and overall fitness, ensuring drivers are physically and mentally fit to operate safely. To enforce compliance with our zero-tolerance policy on substance use, random drug tests are conducted routinely across our operations.”
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He further affirmed that the company remains a responsible corporate citizen, fully cooperative with law enforcement and regulatory agencies, particularly in the investigation of any reported incidents.
Mr. Pathak said: “Dangote is a responsible organisation that consistently cooperate with the Nigeria Police and other relevant authorities in the investigation of reported incidents with support of all lawful processes, aimed at establishing the facts and routinely implement recommendations that strengthen public safety.”
He assured that the company would continue to work closely with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other relevant agencies to standardise and continually improve its safety practices. He added that these authorities are also actively involved in monitoring and evaluation of their safety practices.
Dangote Cement, he said, remains “fully committed to strengthening driver onboarding and training, enforcing strict safety and behavioural standards, applying punitive measures to curb errant driving, collaborating with government agencies, regulators, and communities to improve road safety, ensuring transparency, accountability, and compassion in everything they do.”
Also speaking at the event, Group Chief, HSSE & Sustainability, Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Dr. James Adenuga, reiterated the importance of consistent safety education.
He noted that the objective of the retreat was not to warn drivers of consequences, but “to continuously reminding them of essentials of safety guides.”
He added that the training modules were delivered in accessible language and tailored to resonate with drivers, ensuring that the lessons were meaningful and easy to implement.
Dr. Adenuga stressed some of the basic qualifications for driver recruitment, stating that candidates must possess a minimum of a secondary school certificate, be proficient in written and spoken English, be free from substance abuse, and have 2–5 years of professional driving experience, along with a valid Class G driver’s licence.
“We also partner with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to train and prepare them for professional driving, equipping them with the basics and fundamentals needed to prevent reckless driving. We also have a system in place to recognise and reward drivers who demonstrate good conduct and exemplary behaviour among their peers,” he added.
Delivering a technical session on road safety, Road Safety Expert Mr. Oje Ebhota addressed the importance of developing safe driving habits.
He said the topic of his paper was centred on cultivating driving behaviours that ensure accident-free journeys. Mr. Ebhota cautioned drivers against dangerous practices such as aggressiveness, impatience, use of mobile phones while driving, consumption of alcohol, and disobedience to traffic signs.
He warned: “Be conscious of dangerous overtaking and drive within the driving limit of 60km per hour so that you don’t veer off the road and cause accident that could affect negatively other road users.”
Encouraging the drivers to uphold the company’s standards, he added: “Let me tell you all, the drivers are the ambassadors of the Dangote Group. Beyond being ambassadors, you are also stakeholders who must be cautious and considerate of other road users while on the road.”
