Dangote Cement Plc has stepped up efforts to improve road safety across its African operations, expanding driver training, reinforcing safety standards and promoting measures to prevent crashes involving its transport fleet.
The company reiterated its commitment at its 2026 Drivers’ Safety Retreat at its Obajana plant in Kogi State, where Group Managing Director Arvind Pathak urged drivers to adopt the theme, “Think Safety, Act Safely,” and prioritise human life over delivery deadlines.
Pathak said drivers played a critical role in delivering cement to customers but stressed that commercial targets should never take precedence over safety.
“We can replace a truck; we cannot replace a human being,” he said, urging drivers to avoid speeding, manage fatigue and stop to rest whenever they felt tired.
The retreat brought together drivers, transport personnel and management representatives to discuss safe driving practices, professional development and employee welfare. Participants also raised concerns about the rising cost of living, work-related expenses and delays in receiving drug test results.
Dangote Cement’s Head of Transport, Murilo Silva, warned against reckless driving, the use of unauthorised substitute drivers and other unsafe transport practices. He urged drivers to take responsibility for their conduct and help protect other road users.
The latest engagement builds on the company’s broader investment in technology-supported transport safety. In June, Dangote Cement announced the deployment of artificial intelligence tools, automated vehicle inspection technologies and GPS-based telematics systems to monitor driver behaviour and improve fleet management. The company also cited driver training, medical assessments, drug and alcohol screening, journey management protocols and periodic recertification as components of its safety programme.
According to figures released by the company and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), road crashes involving Dangote Cement trucks declined by 56% between the first quarters of 2025 and 2026, while fatalities fell by 36% and injuries by 52%. Over the same period, the company reported increases in drug and alcohol testing, pre-trip vehicle inspections and driver training at its Obajana operations.
The FRSC has commended the company’s safety initiatives and called for the measures to be sustained. The figures, however, relate to the company’s reported operations and do not represent overall road safety trends across Nigeria or the continent.
At the retreat, Dangote Cement also recognised drivers for their performance and commitment to safety. Management said it would continue investing in driver welfare, professional capacity and safer transport operations across its distribution network.
The initiative highlights the role of fleet operators in reducing road crashes through driver education, vehicle maintenance, fatigue management and accountability. For companies transporting heavy goods across long distances, sustained enforcement of safety standards remains important to protecting employees, other road users and communities along major transport routes.
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