Dangote Cement Plc has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to driver safety and welfare, with its Group Managing Director, Arvind Pathak, declaring that “no delivery is worth a life” as he urged drivers to always make safety their foremost priority.
Speaking during the Company’s 2026 Drivers’ Safety Retreat for Ibese Plant drivers held at Ibese in Ogun State, Pathak stressed that while drivers remain critical to the success of Dangote Cement’s nationwide distribution network, their wellbeing and safe return home after every journey matters even more.
The retreat, themed “Think Safety, Act Safely,” brought together drivers, transport personnel and management representatives to reinforce safe driving practices, encourage open dialogue on welfare concerns and strengthen the Company’s safety culture across its logistics operations.
Addressing the participants, Pathak reminded the drivers that they represented the Dangote brand on highways across the country and therefore carried a responsibility that extended beyond transporting cement.
“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 Dangote Cement GMD said the Company would continue to invest in initiatives that support driver welfare, capacity development and safer transport operations, noting that drivers remained indispensable partners in the Company’s growth journey.
“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 listen to your concerns and improve your welfare. When our drivers are safe, our operations are stronger and our communities are safer.”
He urged drivers to avoid speeding, fatigue and other unsafe practices, stressing that professionalism was measured not by how quickly a journey was completed but by how safely it was undertaken.
“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.”
In his goodwill message, the Aboro of Ibeseland, Oba Rotimi Oluseyi Mulero, urged drivers to prioritise rest whenever they felt fatigued, reminding them that their families depended on their safe return home after every journey.
Also speaking at the event, the Head of Transport, Murilo Silva, warned against reckless driving, proxy driving and other unsafe transport practices, stating that such actions would not be tolerated. He urged drivers to take personal responsibility for their safety and to contribute to making Nigerian roads safer for all users.
The retreat featured an interactive session during which drivers openly discussed issues affecting their welfare, including the rising cost of living, work-related expenses and the timely communication of drug test results.
Reflecting on the programme, several drivers expressed appreciation for the Company’s continued investment in their welfare and wellbeing, noting that the retreat demonstrated management’s genuine concern for their lives beyond operational performance. They pledged to uphold the highest safety standards and to regard the trucks entrusted to them as valuable business assets rather than instruments that could endanger lives.
As part of the event, outstanding personnel were recognised for their exemplary performance and commitment to safety. Awards were presented to eight outstanding drivers, four fleet officers and one STM recipient.
The retreat concluded with a renewed commitment from both management and drivers to foster a stronger safety culture, enhance driver welfare and promote safer, more efficient transport operations across the Company’s logistics network.
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