Management of Dangote Cement Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to training and retraining truck drivers to enhance operational efficiency and ensure safer driving across Nigeria.
Speaking during the 2025 Annual Drivers’ Retreat, themed *Absolute Safer Road Policy*, Dangote Cement’s Group Managing Director, Arvind Pathak, stressed that as a leading cement manufacturer with thousands of trucks in its fleet, road safety remains the company’s top priority. He explained that the annual training is designed to reinforce the company’s core values and ensure drivers remain committed to the Group’s Absolute Safer Road Policy.
The training exercise for the drivers in DCP Ibese Plant took place in the Ilaro area of Ogun State, with over 900 drivers in attendance. Another extensive retraining exercise for more drivers has been scheduled to take place in Obajana, Kogi State, next week.
Mr. Pathak reiterated the company’s commitment to road safety, transparency, appropriate ethical conduct, and provision of detailed clarity on the comprehensive systems and procedures to mitigate against any incident along roads across the country.
He noted that Dangote is a responsible organisation that consistently cooperates with the Nigeria Police and other relevant authorities in the investigation of reported incidents, with the support of all lawful processes aimed at establishing the facts, and routinely implements recommendations that strengthen public safety.
He disclosed that every driver employed by Dangote Cement must undergo a rigorous recruitment process, which includes possessing a valid Class G driver’s licence, background verification of both the driver and their guarantors, and a comprehensive medical evaluation. The medical checks cover vision screening, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), random blood sugar (RBS) testing, as well as drug and alcohol screening.
“Other recruitment screening covers usage within a three-month detection window, ensuring identification of any history of substance use before employment, and completion of a two-week intensive training programme, which consists of twelve safety modules, practical driving assessments, and written examinations,” the Cement GMD said.
He said, “In the past two months alone, over 2,000 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.”
Pathak further assured that Dangote Cement would continue to collaborate with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other regulatory agencies to ensure that all training, compliance, and operational processes are not only standardised but also continuously improved, adding that these authorities are also actively involved in monitoring and evaluation of their safety practices.
He emphasised Dangote Cement remains fully committed to strengthening driver onboarding and training, enforcing strict safety and behavioural standards, applying punitive measures to check reckless driving, and collaborating with government agencies, regulators, and communities to enhance road safety, while upholding transparency, accountability, and compassion in all its operations.
