No fewer than 1,500 truck drivers in the employ of Dangote Cement Plc have undergone rigorous screening exercises to assess their mental, psychological and physical fitness for safe driving on Nigeria’s roads.
The Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Arvind Pathak, revealed this to journalists after delivering his presentation at the 2025 Annual Drivers’ Retreat, which took place in Ilaro, Ogun State.
He explained that while the screening process has always been compulsory, the company intensified it in response to current road safety challenges across the country.
Pathak stated: “Every driver employed by Dangote Cement is required to undergo a carefully designed and meticulously executed recruitment process that includes possession of a valid Class G driver’s licence, background verification of both the driver and their guarantors, and a thorough medical assessment. The medical evaluation covers vision screening (eye test), blood pressure checks, body mass index (BMI), random blood sugar (RBS) testing, as well as drug and alcohol screening.
“In the past two months alone, over 1,500 prospective drivers have successfully completed this process. Only those who met all prescribed standards were employed and certified to operate Dangote Group vehicles. Our focus on safety does not stop at recruitment. All drivers undergo mandatory pre-trip medical checks, carried out by licensed nurses and doctors.”
The Group Managing Director reiterated the company’s unwavering dedication to training and retraining drivers to ensure smooth and safe transportation of its products across Nigeria’s highways.
Pathak stressed that as a leading cement manufacturer operating thousands of trucks nationwide, the company places the safety of its fleet and other road users at the forefront of its priorities.
He added that Dangote Cement, as a regular and significant road user, recognises its responsibility to protect lives and property while upholding transparency, ethical practices, and clear safety protocols designed to reduce the risk of accidents.
According to him, “Dangote is a responsible organisation that consistently collaborates with the Nigeria Police and other relevant authorities in the investigation of reported incidents, supporting all lawful processes aimed at uncovering the facts and routinely implementing recommendations to reinforce public safety.
“Further screening measures include tests that identify substance use within a three-month detection window, ensuring any history of substance intake is flagged before employment. Drivers are also required to complete a two-week intensive training programme consisting of twelve safety modules, practical driving tests, and written examinations.”
