By: Peace Udugba
The Management of Dangote Cement Plc (DCP) has expressed its commitment to training and constant retraining of its truck drivers to promote operational efficiency and safe driving across Nigeria. Speaking during the 2025 Annual Drivers’ Retreat, themed “Absolute Safer Road Policy,” the Group Managing Director, Arvind Pathak, emphasized that safety on the road remains the company’s core mandate.
Pathak stated that the yearly training is designed to remind drivers of the core values of the brand and ensure that they are all committed to the Absolute Safer Road Policy of the Group. The training exercise, which took place in Ilaro, Ogun State, had over 900 drivers in attendance, with another extensive re-training exercise scheduled to take place in Obajana, Kogi State.
The Dangote Cement boss explained that every driver employed by the company undergoes an extensive and rigorously structured recruitment process, including valid driver’s license, background verification, comprehensive medical evaluation, and drug and alcohol testing. He added that only those who meet all required standards are engaged and certified to operate any Dangote Group vehicles.
Pathak stated that all drivers undergo mandatory pre-trip medical assessments, conducted by licensed nurses and doctors, to ensure they are physically and mentally fit to operate safely. He also emphasized the company’s zero-tolerance policy on substance use, with random drug tests conducted routinely across operations.
The Dangote Cement GMD assured that the company will 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 standardized but also continuously improved.
The Group Chief, Health Safety Social and Environment Officer & Sustainability function, Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Dr. James Adenuga, stressed the importance of safety protocols and noted that the regular training is designed to educate drivers in a language they understand and teach them how the training matters to them.
A Road Safety Expert, Mr. Oje Ebhota, advised the assembled drivers to be conscious of dangerous overtaking and to drive within the driving limit of 60km per hour to prevent accidents that could affect other road users. He emphasized that drivers are ambassadors of the Dangote Group and should consider other road users as important while on the road.
