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Dangote Cement Hosts 2025 Drivers’ Retreat, Reaffirms Commitment to Road Safety

Dangote Cement Plc has once again demonstrated its commitment to road safety and operational excellence by organizing its 2025 Annual Drivers’ Retreat, aimed at retraining its truck drivers on critical safety protocols and best practices.

According to iReporter Online, the event—held at the company’s Ibese plant in Ilaro, Ogun State—brought together over 900 drivers, with a follow-up session planned for the Obajana plant in Kogi State next week.

Themed “Absolute Safer Road Policy,” the retreat focused on reducing road accidents and reinforcing driver professionalism.

Speaking at the retreat, Arvind Pathak, Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement, stressed that safety remains a core operational priority, particularly given the scale of the company’s nationwide logistics operations.

“As a responsible organisation, we place top priority on road safety and operational transparency.

We also maintain close collaboration with law enforcement agencies like the Nigeria Police and the FRSC to investigate incidents and enhance our safety systems,” Pathak said.

He further explained that Dangote drivers undergo stringent screening processes prior to employment, including driver’s licence verification (Class G), criminal background checks, vision and medical evaluations, as well as drug and alcohol testing.

According to iReporter Online, more than 2,000 drivers have completed the company’s mandatory two-week training programme in the past two months. The programme includes 12 comprehensive safety modules, hands-on driving tests, and written examinations to ensure readiness and compliance.

Pathak highlighted the company’s zero-tolerance policy on substance abuse, stating that routine drug screenings and pre-trip medical assessments are conducted regularly to ensure drivers are physically and mentally fit for the road.

Dr. James Adenuga, Group Chief, Health, Safety, Social, and Environment Officer at Dangote Industries, emphasized the role of continuous education in maintaining a safe and responsible driver workforce.

“Our regular training sessions serve to reinforce safety culture and professionalism among our drivers. We also acknowledge and reward those who consistently demonstrate excellent conduct on the roads,” Adenuga said.

Road safety consultant Mr. Oje Ebhota, who spoke at the event, urged drivers to avoid aggressive driving, phone use behind the wheel, alcohol consumption, and disobedience of traffic rules. He advised maintaining a speed limit of 60 km/h and cautioned against dangerous overtaking.

“As ambassadors of the Dangote Group, drivers must act responsibly and ensure the safety of fellow road users,” he added.

According to iReporter Online, Dangote Cement continues to collaborate with regulatory bodies to improve driver performance and uphold the highest standards in road safety. The company reaffirmed its dedication to ongoing training, strict compliance protocols, and partnerships with stakeholders to foster safer roads across Nigeria.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”