Dangote Begins Intensive Training for Truck Drivers at Obajana Cement Plant

Dangote Cement Plc has commenced an intensive training and recertification exercise for its fleet of truck drivers at the Obajana cement plant in Kogi State, in a move aimed at improving road safety and enhancing efficiency in its transport operations. The company, which operates one of the largest fleets of trucks in Africa, said the initiative was part of a broader commitment to reduce accidents involving articulated vehicles and to enforce global best practices in logistics and driver management. According to officials, the training is structured to cover both theoretical and practical aspects of driving. Drivers are being taken through sessions on defensive driving, compliance with traffic regulations, vehicle maintenance, and safety consciousness on highways. In addition, the programme includes compulsory medical examinations, drug and alcohol tests, and behavioural evaluations designed to ensure that only fit and competent drivers remain behind the wheel. Speaking on the development, Dangote Cement’s Head of Transport explained that the company’s “Absolute Safer Road” policy underpins the initiative, stressing that driver welfare and public safety remain top priorities. He revealed that new technologies, including in-vehicle cameras and real-time monitoring systems, are being introduced across the company’s compressed natural gas (CNG) truck fleet to track driver behaviour and respond quickly to emergencies. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), which is collaborating with Dangote on the training, described the exercise as a significant private sector contribution to reducing road crashes in Nigeria. Officials from the Corps highlighted that the retraining will not only improve safety for drivers and their cargo but also for other road users. Beyond training, the company has introduced stricter entry requirements for all new drivers. Applicants are expected to meet minimum age and experience standards, possess a valid Class G licence, and pass thorough health and background checks before being deployed. Pre-trip inspection bays and rest facilities have also been established at Obajana and other key depots to guarantee roadworthiness of vehicles and preparedness of drivers. Industry experts say the move could help address concerns over accidents involving heavy-duty trucks, which have been a recurring source of public outcry. However, they insist that sustainable impact will depend on continuous enforcement, improved road conditions, and proper welfare measures for long-distance drivers. The Obajana exercise is expected to be rolled out in phases, with hundreds of drivers undergoing the programme before the end of the year. Dangote Cement has also indicated plans to publish the outcome of the exercise, including the number of drivers trained, recertified, or disqualified, as part of its transparency drive. With this initiative, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the extent to which the training at Obajana contributes to safer highways, improved driver discipline, and the overall efficiency of Nigeria’s transport and logistics sector.