Dangote Cement Plc has stepped up efforts to improve road safety, strengthen drivers’ professional competence and expand welfare support through a strategic retreat held at its Gboko plant in Benue State.
The 2026 Drivers’ Safety Retreat, held on Thursday under the theme “Think Safety, Act Safely,” brought together company management, transport personnel and truck drivers to discuss safer driving practices, operational challenges and measures to improve working conditions.
The programme followed similar retreats organised for drivers at the company’s Ibese plant in Ogun State and Obajana plant in Kogi State.
Speaking at the event, Dangote Cement Group Managing Director, Arvind Pathak, described drivers as the public face of the company and commended them for delivering products across the country despite difficult road and weather conditions.
He stressed that safety must take precedence over delivery targets, urging drivers to inspect their vehicles before trips, observe speed limits, wear seat belts, avoid mobile phone distractions and take approved rest periods.
Pathak also encouraged drivers to report unsafe practices and intervene when colleagues appeared fatigued or unfit to drive. He assured them that management would review concerns relating to routes, loading points, vehicle conditions, rest facilities and welfare.
Dangote Cement Nigeria’s Head of Transport, Murilo Silva, said the retreat provided an opportunity to recognise drivers whose conduct and commitment to safety could serve as examples to their colleagues.
He disclosed that outstanding drivers would receive personalised awards, special shirts, mobile phones and other gifts as incentives for responsible driving and compliance with safety standards.
Silva warned that the company would not tolerate violations such as proxy driving, illegal haulage, over-speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Offenders could face disciplinary action, including dismissal.
The company’s Head of Health, Safety and Environment in Transport for Africa and Nigeria, Ebere Okonkwo, said Dangote Cement was strengthening supervision through the installation of in-truck cameras to monitor driving behaviour and identify safety violations.
She added that drivers, their spouses and up to four children were covered under the company’s health maintenance plan. Drivers also undergo basic medical checks, including blood pressure and eyesight examinations, before trips, with those requiring further attention referred to doctors.
Plant Director Abhijit Dutta urged participants to use the retreat to improve their driving skills and professional conduct.
An officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Gboko Area Command, Abu Ene Ann, cautioned drivers against drug and substance abuse, warning that it could impair judgment and increase the risk of road accidents.
The company’s Human Resources Transport Officer, Ahmed Rufai, outlined disciplinary measures for offences including reckless driving, unauthorised disposal of trucks and the use of company vehicles for personal activities.
During the interactive session, veteran driver Shehu Na’allah, who has served the company for 27 years, commended management for organising the programme but called for the revival of the Truck Owner Scheme, which allowed experienced drivers to work towards owning the trucks they operated.
Another driver, Yusuf Adamu, who has nearly 16 years of service, appealed for improved availability of spare parts at the plant workshop to address maintenance needs across the company’s truck fleet.
The retreat provided a platform for management and drivers to discuss safety, healthcare, vehicle maintenance and working conditions, with the company reaffirming its commitment to training, monitoring and welfare support across its transport operations.
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