Dangote Cement Plc (DCP) is doubling down on its commitment to road safety and operational excellence by re-training hundreds of its truck drivers in a major initiative aimed at enhancing efficiency and saving lives.
The company’s 2025 Annual Drivers’ Retreat, themed “Absolute Safer Road Policy,” saw over 900 drivers participate in an intensive program in Ilaro, Ogun State, with a similar exercise planned for next week in Obajana, Kogi State.
Dangote Cement's Group Managing Director, Arvind Pathak, emphasised that as a leader in the cement industry with thousands of vehicles in its fleet, the company considers safety on Nigeria's roads its core mandate.
“The essence of this yearly training is to remind our drivers of the core values of the brand and ensure they're all committed to the Absolute Safer Road Policy of the Group,” Pathak stated.
The initiative underscores the company’s proactive approach to mitigating road incidents through stringent training, transparent systems, and ethical conduct.
Pathak affirmed that Dangote Cement works closely with the Nigerian Police and other relevant authorities, cooperating in investigations and implementing recommendations that bolster public safety.
Pathak detailed the rigorous recruitment process for all Dangote Cement drivers, which goes beyond standard requirements.
According to him, prospective drivers must possess a valid Class G driver's license, undergo a comprehensive background check, and complete a detailed medical evaluation.
This evaluation, he stated, includes vision screenings, blood pressure checks, BMI measurements, and a random blood sugar test, along with a mandatory drug and alcohol screening.
“The screening covers usage within a three-month detection window, ensuring we identify any history of substance use before employment," Pathak explained.
The screening is followed by a two-week intensive training program comprising twelve safety modules, practical driving assessments, and written examinations.
Only those who meet all required standards are certified to operate any Dangote Group vehicles.
“In the past two months alone, over 2,000 prospective drivers have successfully completed this process,” Pathak noted, highlighting the company’s commitment to strict vetting.
The focus on safety doesn't stop at recruitment. Drivers are required to undergo mandatory pre-trip medical assessments conducted by licensed nurses and doctors to ensure they are physically and mentally fit before every journey.
To enforce the company's zero-tolerance policy on substance use, random drug tests are routinely conducted across all operations.
Pathak confirmed that Dangote Cement will continue to collaborate with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other regulatory agencies to ensure all training and operational processes are continuously improved and monitored.
Dr James Adenuga, the Group Chief, Health, Safety, Social, and Environment Officer & Sustainability function at Dangote Industries Limited, stressed that the regular training sessions are designed to continuously remind drivers of essential safety protocols in a way they can understand.
He said the company partnered with the FRSC to prepare drivers for professional driving, equipping them with the fundamentals to prevent reckless behaviour.
“We also have a process to give recognition and awards to those who profess good conduct and are well-behaved among their peers,” he added, noting the company’s use of incentives to promote positive habits.
Adenuga outlined the qualifications for new drivers, which include a minimum of a secondary school certificate, the ability to read and write English, freedom from substance abuse, and at least two to five years of driving experience.
This multi-faceted approach ensures that only the most qualified and responsible individuals are entrusted with the company’s vehicles.
The Driver as a Brand Ambassador
Road safety expert, Mr Oje Ebhota, addressed the drivers, focusing on the importance of developing safe driving habits for accident-free journeys.
He identified dangerous behaviours such as aggressiveness, impatient driving, phone use while driving, and consuming alcohol as major negatives.
He advised drivers to be conscious of dangerous overtaking and to maintain a driving limit of 60km per hour to prevent veering off the road and causing accidents.
Ebhota ended his address with a message, telling the drivers, “Let me tell you all, drivers are the ambassadors of Dangote Group.
“Aside from being ambassadors, you are also stakeholders who should be careful and consider other road users as important while on the road.”
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