GBOKO, Benue State — Dangote Cement Plc has stepped up efforts to curb road accidents and improve drivers’ welfare through stricter safety enforcement, regular training, performance-based rewards and expanded healthcare support for truck drivers.
The measures were highlighted at the company’s 2026 Drivers’ Safety Retreat held on Thursday at its Gboko plant in Benue State, where management reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and strengthening safety standards across its transport operations.
The retreat, themed “Think Safety, Act Safely,” followed similar programmes organised for drivers at the company’s Ibese and Obajana plants.
Speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director, Arvind Pathak, described drivers as the public face of the company, commending them for delivering products across the country despite difficult road conditions and challenging weather.
He, however, stressed that safety must take precedence over delivery targets, urging drivers to conduct proper vehicle inspections, obey speed limits, wear seat belts, avoid distractions from mobile phones and observe approved rest periods.
Pathak also encouraged drivers to report unsafe practices and intervene whenever colleagues appeared fatigued or unfit to drive, noting that such vigilance could prevent accidents and save lives.
He assured participants that management would consider their concerns regarding routes, loading points, vehicle conditions, rest facilities and welfare, promising to review their recommendations and take appropriate action.
Dangote Cement Nigeria’s Head of Transport, Murilo Silva, said the retreat also provided an opportunity to recognise outstanding drivers whose professionalism and commitment to safety could inspire others.
He disclosed that award recipients would receive personalised awards, special shirts, mobile phones and other gifts as incentives for responsible driving and compliance with road safety regulations.
Silva, however, warned that the company would not tolerate violations of its driving rules, including proxy driving, illegal haulage, over-speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
He said such offences could attract disciplinary measures, including dismissal, underscoring management’s determination to enforce safety standards across its fleet.
The company’s Head of Health, Safety and Environment in Transport for Africa and Nigeria, Mrs Ebere Okonkwo, disclosed that Dangote Cement was strengthening supervision through the installation of in-truck cameras to monitor driving behaviour and identify safety violations.
According to her, the monitoring system, combined with regular training and firm enforcement, is designed to discourage dangerous driving and sustain improvements in road safety.
Okonkwo said the retreat also offered management an opportunity to engage directly with drivers, understand their operational challenges and work towards practical solutions.
On healthcare, she revealed that the company’s health maintenance plan covers drivers, their spouses and up to four children.
She added that drivers undergo basic medical examinations, including blood pressure and eyesight checks, before embarking on trips, while those requiring further medical attention are referred to doctors.
Although challenges remain, Okonkwo maintained that sustained training, monitoring and enforcement had contributed to improvements in the company’s safety standards.
Plant Director, Abhijit Dutta, urged participants to maximise the opportunity provided by the retreat to sharpen their driving skills, improve professional conduct and strengthen their commitment to safety.
Similarly, Abu Ene Ann, an Assistant Superintendent of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Enlightenment Officer of the Gboko Area Command, cautioned drivers against drug and substance abuse.
He warned that substance abuse could impair judgment, damage vital organs and increase the risk of fatal road crashes, urging drivers to prioritise their health and the safety of other road users.
The Human Resources Transport Officer at the Gboko plant, Ahmed Rufai, also outlined disciplinary measures for offences such as reckless driving, unauthorised disposal of trucks and using company vehicles for personal activities.
Despite management’s renewed safety drive, drivers used the retreat to highlight operational challenges requiring attention.
A veteran driver with 27 years of service, Shehu Na’allah, commended the company for organising the retreat but appealed 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 served the company for nearly 16 years, appreciated management’s support but called for improved availability of spare parts at the plant workshop.
He said timely access to spare parts was essential to addressing the repair needs of the company’s diverse truck fleet, particularly given the difficult conditions of many roads across the country.
The retreat underscored Dangote Cement’s emphasis on combining driver training, technology-driven monitoring, strict enforcement and welfare support to promote safer transport operations while encouraging drivers to contribute to continuous improvement.
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