By Obinna Uballa
Dangote Cement Plc has restated its commitment to road safety and operational efficiency with the launch of its 2025 Annual Drivers’ Retreat, focused on retraining truck drivers on safety protocols and best practices.
The retreat, themed Absolute Safer Road Policy,n was held at the company’s Ibese plant in Ilaro, Ogun State, with over 900 drivers participating. A similar session iscexpected to take place next week at Obajana, Kogi State.
The exercise comes just over a week after reports alleged that a Dangote Cement truck hit one Ruth Otabor, a sister to Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Ijeoma “Phyna” Otabor, near Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State.
The incident occurred on August 13, 2025, leaving the victim with severe leg injuries. Witnesses said the truck crushed her leg before she was taken to hospital.
The Dangote Group had pledged to cover her medical expenses and provide compensation. This is even as the Coalition of Edo Civil Society Organisations (CECSO) has absolved the company of blame.
In a statement signed by its president, Comrade James Osahon, CECSO said investigations confirmed that the crash involved a third-party cement truck, not a Dangote vehicle. The findings, the group noted, align with a police report on the incident.
Speaking at the drivers’ retreat, Dangote Cement’s Group Managing Director, Arvind Pathak, emphasised that road safety remains a core priority for the company.
“As a responsible organisation, we prioritise safety and work closely with law enforcement and regulatory agencies, including the FRSC, to investigate incidents and strengthen safety measures,” Pathak said.
He explained that all Dangote drivers typically go through rigorous screening before employment, including licence verification, background checks, medical tests for vision, blood pressure, and blood sugar, as well as drug and alcohol screening.
“After recruitment, drivers undergo a two-week intensive training covering 12 safety modules, practical driving sessions, and written exams. In the past two months alone, over 2,000 drivers have successfully completed this process,” Pathak stated.
He added that the company enforces strict zero-tolerance policies on substance use and conducts routine drug tests alongside pre-trip medical assessments to ensure drivers are fit for duty.
Dr. James Adenuga, Group Chief of Health, Safety, Social, and Environment at Dangote Industries, said the regular training programme serves to reinforce safety standards and educate drivers on the implications of reckless behaviour.
“Beyond training, we reward drivers who demonstrate exemplary conduct on the road,” Adenuga noted.
