Dangote Cement Plc, Africa’s leading cement conglomerate, has intensified its commitment to road safety by strengthening measures to improve drivers’ safety awareness, competence and compliance with best practices across its African operations.
Speaking at the 2026 Drivers’ Safety Retreat at the company’s Obajana Plant in Kogi State, the Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Mr Arvind Pathak, said drivers must “Think Safety, Act Safely” across its operations in Africa.
He reiterated the company’s commitment to the safety and welfare of its drivers, urging them to prioritise safe driving practices and ensure they return home safely after every journey.
The retreat, themed “Think Safety, Act Safely,” brought together drivers, transport personnel and management representatives to promote responsible driving, address welfare concerns and strengthen the company’s safety culture across its logistics operations.
According to him, Dangote Cement, the largest cement producer in Nigeria and Africa, places a premium on product quality, while its drivers play a crucial role in ensuring that products reach customers safely and efficiently.
Pathak said driver safety ranks above operational targets and commercial considerations. He told participants that they represent the Dangote brand on highways and are responsible for their own lives and those of other road users.
“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 said.
He assured the drivers that the company would continue to invest in initiatives aimed at improving their welfare, developing their professional capacity and promoting safer transportation operations.
According to him, drivers remain indispensable to the company’s growth and distribution network, making their safety and well-being a priority.
“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 stated.
He urged the drivers to avoid speeding, fatigue and other dangerous driving practices, emphasising that professional competence should be measured by safe arrival rather than the speed at which a journey is completed.
The Dangote Cement chief executive advised drivers to take breaks whenever they felt tired and avoid taking unnecessary risks on the road.
Dangote Cement’s Head of Transport, Murilo Silva, cautioned against reckless driving and proxy driving, in which someone other than the assigned driver operates a vehicle. He said such conduct would not be tolerated and urged drivers to take personal responsibility for making Nigerian roads safer.
Ebere Okonkwo, Group Head of Transport Health, Safety and Environment for Pan Africa Nigeria, said the retreat was necessary to help drivers stay safe and avoid accidents that could lead to dismissal. She said management monitors drivers’ movements wherever they travel.
The retreat also provided an opportunity for drivers to interact with management and discuss issues affecting their welfare and working conditions.
Among the concerns raised during the interactive session were the rising cost of living, work-related expenses and the need for timely communication of drug test results. Several who spoke praised the company’s investment in their welfare and pledged to maintain high safety standards.
As part of the programme, Dangote Cement recognised outstanding personnel for their performance and commitment to safety.
Awards were presented to 10 outstanding drivers, with Ismaila Suleiman named the best-performing driver in the year under review.
