Dangote Cement steps up driver security requirements throughout Africa

Dangote Cement Plc, Africa’s main cement conglomerate, has intensified its dedication to street security by strengthening measures to enhance drivers’ security consciousness, competence, and compliance with finest practices throughout its African operations.

Speaking on the 2026 Drivers Safety Retreat on the Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, Kogi State, Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Arvind Pathak, mentioned drivers should ‘Think Safety, Act Safely’ throughout all its operations in Africa.

He reiterated its dedication to the security and welfare of its drivers, urging them to prioritise secure driving practices and guarantee they return residence safely after each journey.

According to him, Dangote Cement, as the biggest cement producer in Nigeria and Africa, locations a premium on the standard of its merchandise, whereas its drivers play an important position in making certain that the merchandise attain clients safely and effectively.

Pathak confused that no enterprise supply was definitely worth the lack of human life, describing the security of drivers as extra necessary than operational targets and business concerns.

The retreat, themed: “Think Safety, Act Safely,” introduced collectively drivers, transport personnel and administration representatives to advertise accountable driving, tackle welfare issues and strengthen the Company’s security tradition throughout its logistics operations.

Addressing the individuals, Pathak reminded the drivers that they represented the Dangote model on highways throughout the nation and had a duty to guard their lives and people of different street customers.

“Every time you get behind the wheel, you are carrying more than a product. You are carrying the reputation of this Company, the trust of other road users and, most importantly, your own life. We can replace a truck; we cannot replace a human being,” he mentioned.

He assured the drivers that the Company would proceed to put money into initiatives geared toward bettering their welfare, growing their skilled capability and selling safer transportation operations.

According to him, drivers stay indispensable to the Company’s development and distribution community, making their security and wellbeing a precedence.

“We appreciate the sacrifices you make every day to keep our business moving. That is why we are committed not only to providing you with the tools and training to work safely, but also to listening to your concerns and improving your welfare. When our drivers are safe, our operations are stronger and our communities are safer,” Pathak acknowledged.

He urged the drivers to keep away from dashing, fatigue and different harmful driving practices, emphasising that skilled competence needs to be measured by secure arrival reasonably than the velocity with which a journey is accomplished.

The Dangote Cement chief government suggested drivers to take breaks each time they felt drained and to keep away from taking pointless dangers on the street.

“I want every driver to remember one simple principle: if you are tired, stop and rest. If a situation looks unsafe, do not take chances. The goal is not just to reach your destination; the goal is to return home safely to your family,” he added.

Dangote Cement’s Head of Transport, Murilo Silva, whereas addressing them cautioned towards reckless driving, proxy driving and different unsafe transportation practices, warning that such conduct wouldn’t be tolerated.

Silva urged the drivers to take private duty for his or her actions and contribute to creating Nigerian roads safer for motorists and different street customers.

Ebere Okonkwo- Group Head, Transport Health, Safety and Environment- Pan Africa Nigeria mentioned the retreat is critical for the Dangote drivers for his or her security and likewise to keep away from any accident that may push the corporate to sack them.

She famous that with the retreat many of the drivers of Dangote might be very cautious as a result of the administration is watching all their motion any the place they journey to.

The retreat additionally supplied a possibility for drivers to work together with administration and talk about points affecting their welfare and dealing situations.

Among the issues raised throughout the interactive session had been the rising price of residing, work-related bills and the necessity for well timed communication of drug check outcomes.

Several drivers who spoke on the occasion counseled the Company’s continued funding of their welfare, saying the retreat demonstrated administration’s concern for his or her lives past their operational obligations.

They pledged to keep up excessive security requirements and deal with the vans entrusted to them as useful enterprise property whereas avoiding practices that would endanger human lives.

As a part of the programme, Dangote Cement recognised excellent personnel for his or her efficiency and dedication to security.

Awards had been introduced to 10 excellent drivers, whereas Ismaila Suleiman was essentially the most performing driver within the 12 months below assessment.