Dangote Cement Plc, Africa’s main cement conglomerate, has intensified its dedication to highway security by strengthening measures to enhance drivers’ security consciousness, competence, and compliance with greatest practices throughout its African operations.
Speaking on the 2026 Drivers Safety Retreat on the Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, Kogi State, Mr Arvind Pathak, Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Dangote Cement Plc, stated drivers should ‘Think Safety, Act Safely’ throughout all its operations in Africa.
He reiterated its dedication to the protection and welfare of its drivers, urging them to prioritise protected driving practices and guarantee they return house safely after each journey.
According to him, Dangote Cement, locations a premium on the standard of its merchandise, whereas its drivers play a vital function in guaranteeing that the merchandise attain prospects safely and effectively.
Pathak careworn that no enterprise supply was well worth the lack of human life, describing the protection of drivers as extra essential than operational targets and industrial concerns.
The retreat, themed: “Think Safety, Act Safely,” introduced collectively drivers, transport personnel and administration representatives to advertise accountable driving, handle welfare issues and strengthen the Company’s security tradition throughout its logistics operations.
Pathak reminded the drivers that they represented the Dangote model on highways throughout the nation and had a accountability to guard their lives and people of different highway customers.
“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 stated.
He assured the drivers that the Company would proceed to put money into initiatives aimed toward bettering their welfare, growing their skilled capability and selling safer transportation operations.
According to him, drivers stay indispensable to the Company’s development and distribution community, making their security and wellbeing a precedence.
“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 keep away from rushing, fatigue and different harmful driving practices, emphasising that skilled competence ought to be measured by protected arrival quite than the pace with which a journey is accomplished.
The Dangote Cement chief govt suggested drivers to take breaks each time they felt drained and to keep away from taking pointless dangers on the highway.
“I want every driver to remember one simple principle: if you are tired, stop and rest. If a situation looks unsafe, do not take chances. The goal is not just to reach your destination; the goal is to return home safely to your family,” he added.
Dangote Cement’s Head of Transport, Murilo Silva, whereas addressing them cautioned towards reckless driving, proxy driving and different unsafe transportation practices, warning that such conduct wouldn’t be tolerated.
Silva urged the drivers to take private accountability for his or her actions and contribute to creating Nigerian roads safer for motorists and different highway customers.
Ebere Okonkwo, Group Head, Transport Health, Safety and Environment- Pan Africa Nigeria, stated the retreat was needed for the drivers security and likewise to keep away from any accident that will push the corporate to sack them.
She famous that with the retreat many of the drivers of Dangote could be very cautious as a result of the administration is watching all their motion wherever they journey to.
The retreat additionally supplied a possibility for drivers to work together with administration and talk about points affecting their welfare and dealing situations.
Among the issues raised through the interactive session have been the rising price of dwelling, work-related bills and the necessity for well timed communication of drug check outcomes.
Several drivers who spoke on the occasion counseled the Company’s continued funding of their welfare, saying the retreat demonstrated administration’s concern for his or her lives past their operational tasks.
They pledged to take care of excessive security requirements and deal with the vehicles entrusted to them as helpful enterprise property whereas avoiding practices that might endanger human lives.
As a part of the programme, Dangote Cement recognised excellent personnel for his or her efficiency and dedication to security.
Awards have been offered to 10 excellent drivers, whereas Ismaila Suleiman was probably the most performing driver within the yr underneath evaluate.(NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
