Dangote Cement Launches Nationwide Driver Training to Strengthen Road Safety
Dangote Cement Plc has announce a renewed commitment to road safety, unveiling a nationwide programme to train and retrain its truck drivers.
The initiative, which is already underway, is part of the company’s strategy to curb road accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles and promote safer highways across the country.
Speaking at the 2025 Annual Drivers’ Retreat held at its Ibese plant in Ogun State, the Managing Director of Dangote Cement, Arvind Pathak, said safety remains at the heart of the company’s operations.
He explained that the driver training scheme was designed not only to enhance operational efficiency but also to protect lives and property on Nigerian roads.
Under the scheme, all Dangote truck drivers will undergo rigorous checks and certification. New recruits are required to present a valid Class G driver’s licence, pass comprehensive medical and background checks, and complete a two-week intensive safety training programme covering 12 modules, including defensive driving and vehicle maintenance. Only drivers who successfully pass practical and written assessments will be certified to operate Dangote trucks.
The company has also invested in permanent training facilities. Its Drivers’ Training Centre at Obajana in Kogi State runs a six-month structured programme, combining theory and practical attachment, while the Articulated Truck Driving School produces batches of specially trained drivers — including women — with advanced safety and defensive driving skills.
In collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dangote Cement has further strengthened its fleet operations by installing speed limiters, onboard cameras, and scheduling mandatory recertification every six months.
The FRSC has repeatedly commended the company for adopting and implementing industry-standard safety protocols, describing it as a model for other organizations in the transport sector.
Beyond training, Dangote has rolled out road safety awareness campaigns in host communities, distributing reflective jackets, helmets, and safety kits while advocating for accident-free road use.
“With these measures, our goal is not just to minimize harm but to aim for a culture of zero accidents,” Pathak said, reinforcing the company’s safety-first philosophy.
The initiative is expected to significantly reduce accidents involving Dangote trucks, improve driver welfare, and set a new benchmark for corporate responsibility in Nigeria’s transport sector.
