Arvind Pathak, the Group Managing Director (GMD) of Dangote Cement Plc, revealed over the weekend that at least 1,500 truck drivers have completed rigorous screening to determine their physical, mental, and psychological suitability for safe driving.
Given the state of the nation’s roads, the GMD said the screening had to be more thorough even if it was required for all drivers.
Following his presentation at the 2025 Annual Drivers Retreat in Ilaro, Ogun State, Pathak chatted with reporters.
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This is coming after a series of backlash that trailed the dangote group over recklessness on their part and neglecting victims of accidents involving their trucks, with the most recent being reality TV star Phyna’s sister and three others who lost their lives in Auchi, Edo state.
He said: “Every driver employed by Dangote Cement is required to undergo an extensive and rigorously structured recruitment process that includes: Valid Driver’s license class G, background verification of both the driver and their guarantors, comprehensive medical evaluation, including vision screening (eye test), blood pressure checks, BMI -body mass index, RBS – random blood sugar test as well as drug and alcohol testing.
“In the past two months alone, over 1,500 prospective drivers have successfully completed this process. Only those who met all required standards were engaged and certified to operate any Dangote Group vehicles.
“Our commitment to safety extends beyond recruitment. All drivers undergo mandatory pre-trip medical assessments, conducted by licensed nurses and doctors.”
According to Pathak, Dangote Cement Plc’s management is steadfastly dedicated to educating its drivers for efficient, secure, and seamless driving throughout Nigeria.
He underlined that the management of a major cement business with thousands of trucks in its fleet must prioritise road safety.
The GMD, further emphasized that the Dangote group recognizes its obligation to other members of society and its commitment to other road users’ safety as a regular user of the road. He reiterated the company’s dedication to road safety, openness, moral behaviour, and giving clear information about the extensive systems and processes in place to prevent any incidents on the nation’s highways.
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He said: “Dangote is a responsible organisation that consistently cooperates with the Nigeria Police and other relevant authorities in the investigation of reported incidents with support of all lawful processes, aimed at establishing the facts and routinely implementing recommendations that strengthen public safety.
“Other screening covers usage within a three-month detection window, ensuring the identification of any history of substance use before employment, completion of a two-week intensive training programme, which consists of twelve safety modules, practical driving assessments, and written examinations.”
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