Dangote Cement Plc has launched a nationwide initiative to train and retrain its truck drivers, emphasizing road safety and operational efficiency, following a series of accidents involving cement trucks.
The program, announced on August 22, 2025, during the 2025 Annual Drivers’ Retreat themed “Absolute Safer Road Policy” at its Ibese plant in Ilaro, Ogun State, involved over 900 drivers, with another session planned for Obajana, Kogi State, next week. Group Managing Director Arvind Pathak stated, “As a leading cement manufacturer with thousands of trucks, safety remains our core mandate,” highlighting rigorous recruitment processes, including Class G license verification, medical evaluations, and a two-week training program with 12 safety modules. Over 2,000 drivers have completed this process in the past two months alone.
The initiative follows public outcry over a recent accident on August 13, 2025, near Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State, where a cement truck allegedly crushed the leg of Ruth Otabor, sister of BBNaija star Phyna, prompting claims on X that the driver lacked a valid license.
Although the Coalition of Edo Civil Society Organizations clarified the truck was not a Dangote vehicle, the incident intensified scrutiny.
Dangote Cement collaborates with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and enforces pre-trip medical checks and random drug tests to ensure compliance with its zero-tolerance policy on substance use, as noted by Pathak. Dr. James Adenuga, Group Chief of Health, Safety, Social, and Environment, emphasized educating drivers in accessible language to reinforce safety protocols.
The company’s commitment includes punitive measures for reckless driving and ongoing partnerships with regulatory bodies to standardize safety practices, aiming to curb accidents and enhance public trust.
This follows Dangote’s pledge to cover medical expenses for the Edo accident victim, signaling a broader push for accountability and safety in its operations.
