Dangote Cement Plc (DCP) management has declared an unwavering commitment to training and constantly retraining its truck drivers in order to increase operational efficiency and safe driving throughout Nigeria.
Speaking at Dangote Cement’s 2025 Annual Drivers’ Retreat, Group Managing Director Arvind Pathak underlined that as a large cement manufacturer with thousands of trucks in its fleet, road safety remained the company’s top priority.
He stated that the purpose of the yearly training is to remind drivers of the brand’s key values and to guarantee that they are all committed to the group’s Absolute Safer Road policy.
Over 900 drivers attended the driver training exercise at the DCP Ibese Plant in Ilaro, Ogun State. Another lengthy retraining exercise for more drivers is slated for next week in Obajana, Kogi State.
The Dangote Cement CEO restated the company’s commitment to road safety, transparency, proper ethical behaviour, and providing complete clarification on the comprehensive systems and procedures in place to mitigate any event that may occur on country roads.
Mr Pathak stated that Dangote is a responsible organisation that consistently cooperates with the Nigeria Police and other relevant authorities in the investigation of reported incidents, utilising all lawful processes to establish the facts and routinely implementing recommendations that improve public safety.
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He explained that every driver employed by Dangote Cement must go through an extensive and rigorously structured recruitment process that includes a valid driver’s licence class G, background verification of both the driver and their guarantors, and a comprehensive medical evaluation that includes vision screening (eye test), blood pressure checks, body mass index (BMI), random blood sugar (RBS) tests, and drug and alcohol testing.
“Other recruitment screening covers usage within a three-month detection window, ensuring identifying 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 stated.
According to him, “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.”
Mr Pathak stated that Dangote Cement will continue to work 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, and that these authorities are actively involved in monitoring and evaluating their safety practices.
He stated that Dangote Cement is still fully committed to improving driver onboarding and training, enforcing strict safety and behavioural standards, implementing punitive measures to discourage reckless driving, collaborating with government agencies, regulators, and communities to improve road safety, and ensuring transparency, accountability, and compassion in everything they do.
