Dangote Cement Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to safer roads and responsible fleet management with a large-scale drivers’ retreat held on Thursday at its Obajana plant in Kogi State. The event brought together hundreds of Dangote truck drivers alongside senior management to strengthen safety awareness, discipline, and accountability on Nigerian highways.
Arvind Pathak, Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement, urged drivers to value their lives and families above all else, stressing that safe driving is a duty that goes beyond the company. “Your life is invaluable. Please take care of yourselves and remember that your families depend on you,” Pathak said, highlighting the need for defensive driving, combating fatigue, and proper vehicle maintenance.
Murilo Silva, Head of Transport, announced the rollout of technology-driven control towers in Obajana to track driver behavior in real time, a move aimed at reducing accidents and boosting efficiency. “Speeding is one of the biggest causes of truck accidents. Respect smaller vehicles and exercise patience in traffic,” he cautioned.
Dr. James Adenuga, Group Head of Health, Safety, Social, Environment & Sustainability (HSSE&S), reminded drivers that their duty extends beyond delivering cement. “Each trip carries lives, reputations, and the pride of this company,” he noted.
Transport consultant Samuel Odo stressed that safety must become a daily habit. “From buckling seatbelts to obeying speed limits and checking tires, when these practices are repeated consistently, they become second nature,” he explained.
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The retreat, themed “Drive Safely, Arrive Safely”, ended with awards honoring disciplined drivers who demonstrated exceptional commitment to safety. Local traditional leaders, including the Bajana of Obajana, HRH Idowu Isenibi, and the Olu of Apata, HRH Frederick Balogun, praised Dangote drivers for their contributions and urged continued compliance with traffic laws.
Hemant Rana, Divisional Director of Transport, revealed that Dangote has already recorded a noticeable reduction in accidents due to stronger monitoring systems and improved training.
For Dangote Cement, the Obajana retreat was not just about road safety, it was a clear message that every driver represents the company’s reputation and that discipline behind the wheel is key to saving lives across Nigeria’s highways.
