Driving a Safer Future: Dangote Cement and FRSC Enforce Stricter Driver Standards

In a concerted effort to enforce a zero-tolerance policy on road accidents, the Dangote Articulated Trucks Drivers Training School (DATDTS), in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), is implementing a new set of stringent entry requirements for aspiring truck drivers. 


This initiative coincides with the company's comprehensive recertification and screening program for all existing drivers at its Obajana plant.


Mr Murilo Silva, Head of Transport for Dangote Cement Plc, told journalists at the Obajana Plant that the company has begun installing cameras across its extensive fleet of thousands of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks. 


This move, he said, is part of a broader strategy to promote safe driving and achieve zero road crashes. 


The new policy mandates that all driver applicants must be at least 23 years old, possess a minimum of five years of relevant driving experience, and hold a valid Class G driver's license. 


"The Dangote Cement Plc has a Policy on driver employment processes that gives the criteria for DADTS processes of engaging new drivers, especially mandatory 5 years of experience and a compulsory class G license," Mr Silva explained.


He added that every potential driver must undergo a rigorous screening process that includes a comprehensive medical evaluation, blood pressure and blood sugar tests, drug and alcohol testing, and a vision screening. 


Applicants must also have a clean criminal record with no pending legal cases.






The collaboration with the FRSC extends beyond initial hiring. 


The FRSC conducts regular certification and recertification training sessions for drivers at the DATDTS complex. 


Dangote Cement has also established a dedicated Health, Safety, and Environment Assessment Department to continuously monitor driver fitness. 


The department conducts pre-trip inspections and tests to ensure drivers are fit for their trips.


The company has instituted several measures to curb road accidents, which have shown promising results. 


Mr Silva noted a 60% increase in drivers' participation in the company's monthly training program this year, a 40% rise in drug and alcohol testing, and an impressive 74% increase in pre-trip inspections.


Complementing these efforts, Mr Hemant Rana, Divisional Head of Transport at DCP Obajana, revealed the establishment of a multi-million-naira Pre-Trip Inspection Bay. 


This facility, staffed with experienced engineers and mechanics, ensures every truck is thoroughly inspected before it embarks on a journey. 


The company has also built a "Drivers' Rest House" to provide a safe and comfortable space for drivers to rest between trips.


"We have developed a monitoring system for our drivers that helps them do their jobs safely. 


“We have Drivers Help Desk Units that follow up with drivers’ situations while on trips. We also have a Control Department that follows up with drivers’ behaviour while on trips," Mr Rana stated.


The Dangote Articulated Truck Drivers Training School, according to its Manager, Mr Daniel Marcus Akuso, is the first of its kind in Nigeria. 


The institution’s curriculum, developed in collaboration with the FRSC, includes a wide range of courses such as Civic Education, English, Mathematics, Defensive Driving, Truck Handling, Maintenance Technology, and Road Signs and Codes, among others.


Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Mr Arvind Pathak, previously told newsmen that at least 1,500 Dangote Cement truck drivers have undergone intensive screening to ascertain their mental, psychological, and physical fitness for safe driving. 


He stressed that this screening is mandatory and has been made more intensive to address the current road conditions across the country.


“Every driver employed by Dangote Cement is required to undergo an extensive and rigorously structured recruitment process that includes: Valid Driver's license 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,” Mr Pathak said.


The company's commitment to these rigorous standards not only enhances the safety of its drivers and the general public but also sets a new benchmark for the trucking industry in Nigeria.


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