Dangote Cement Plc has warned its truck drivers against speeding, fatigue and reckless driving, declaring that no delivery is worth the loss of human life.
The company’s Group Managing Director, Arvind Pathak, gave the warning during the 2026 Drivers’ Safety Retreat for drivers at its Ibese Plant in Ogun State.
Pathak stressed that drivers’ safe return home was more important than meeting delivery schedules, urging them to make safety their foremost priority.
He said, “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.”
The retreat, themed ‘Think Safety, Act Safely’, brought together drivers, transport personnel and management representatives to promote safer driving practices and address concerns affecting drivers’ welfare.
Pathak said drivers played a critical role in the company’s nationwide distribution network but warned that their responsibilities extended beyond transporting cement.
He said the company would continue to invest in training, capacity development and welfare initiatives to improve safety across its transport operations.
“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,” he said.
The GMD urged drivers to avoid speeding and other dangerous practices, insisting that professional driving should be measured by safety rather than the speed of delivery.
“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,” Pathak said.
In his goodwill message, the Aboro of Ibeseland, Oba Rotimi Oluseyi Mulero, also urged drivers to rest whenever they felt fatigued, noting that their families depended on their safe return from every journey.
Similarly, the Head of Transport, Murilo Silva, warned against reckless driving, proxy driving and other unsafe transport practices, saying such conduct would not be tolerated.
He called on drivers to take personal responsibility for their safety and contribute to reducing risks on Nigerian roads.
The retreat also provided an opportunity for drivers to raise concerns about their welfare, including the rising cost of living, work-related expenses and delays in communicating drug test results.
Some participants commended the company for providing a platform to discuss issues affecting their wellbeing, saying the engagement showed management’s concern for their lives beyond operational performance.
They pledged to observe safety standards and handle the trucks entrusted to them responsibly.
As part of the event, the company honoured eight outstanding drivers, four fleet officers and one STM recipient for their performance and commitment to safety.
The retreat ended with a renewed commitment by management and drivers to strengthen safety practices, improve welfare and promote safer transport operations across the company’s logistics network.
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