Dangote Cement Plc Launches Nationwide Driver Training Programme To Enhance Road Safety.
Lagos, Nigeria – 23 August 2025 – Dangote Cement Plc has announced a robust commitment to improving road safety across Nigeria through a comprehensive driver training and retraining programme. The initiative, which began this week, aims to bolster operational efficiency and ensure safer driving practices for the company’s extensive fleet of trucks.
The announcement follows the company’s 2025 Annual Drivers’ Retreat, held at its Ibese Plant in Ilaro, Ogun State, where over 900 drivers participated in a rigorous training session. A similar large-scale retraining programme is scheduled for next week at the Obajana facility in Kogi State, demonstrating Dangote Cement’s dedication to continuous driver development. In the past two months alone, over 2,000 prospective drivers have successfully completed the company’s stringent recruitment process, which includes a valid Class G driver’s licence, thorough background checks, and comprehensive medical evaluations.
Arvind Pathak, Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement, emphasised that road safety remains a core priority for the company, which operates thousands of trucks nationwide. “Our annual retreat is designed to reinforce our Absolute Safer Road Policy and ensure our drivers uphold the highest standards of safety and professionalism,” Pathak stated. He highlighted that all new drivers undergo a two-week intensive training programme, encompassing twelve safety modules, practical driving assessments, and written examinations. Only those who meet these stringent criteria are certified to operate vehicles in the Dangote fleet.
The training initiative comes in the wake of recent road incidents involving heavy-duty vehicles, prompting increased scrutiny of driver conduct. Dangote Cement has reaffirmed its commitment to ethical practices and transparency, collaborating closely with the Nigeria Police and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to investigate incidents and implement safety recommendations. The company also enforces a zero-tolerance policy on substance use, with mandatory pre-trip medical checks and random drug tests to ensure drivers are fit to operate.
Dr. James Adenuga, Group Chief of Health, Safety, Social, and Environment at Dangote Industries Limited, underscored the importance of the programme in fostering a culture of safety. “This is not just about compliance; it’s about instilling a mindset of responsibility in our drivers. We want them to understand the critical role they play as ambassadors of the Dangote brand,” he said. Adenuga noted that the company rewards drivers who demonstrate exemplary conduct, further incentivising safe driving practices.
Road safety expert Oje Ebhota, who addressed drivers at the retreat, highlighted key habits for accident-free journeys, urging drivers to avoid aggressive driving, mobile phone use, and disregard for traffic signs. “Our drivers are stakeholders in road safety. By adhering to speed limits and exercising caution, they protect not only themselves but all road users,” Ebhota remarked.
Dangote Cement’s proactive approach has been widely praised, with the company setting a new standard for driver safety in Nigeria’s cement industry. The programme is expected to continue with regular training sessions and partnerships with regulatory bodies to ensure sustained improvements in road safety nationwide.
The company’s efforts reflect its broader mission to operate responsibly while contributing to safer roads and communities across Nigeria.
