No fewer than 1,500 truck drivers have undergone intensive screening to ascertain their mental, psychological, and physical fitness for safe driving, Group Managing Director (GMD) of Dangote Cement Plc, Arvind Pathak, confirmed at the weekend.
The GMD, who explained that the screening was mandatory for all drivers, said it had to be more intensive given the condition of roads across the country.
Pathak spoke with reporters after his presentation at the 2025 Annual Drivers Retreat held at Ilaro, Ogun 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.”
Pathak stated that the management of Dangote Cement Plc was irrevocably committed to training and retraining of its drivers for effective, safe, and smooth driving across the length and breadth of Nigeria.
He emphasised that safety on the road cannot but be a priority for the management of a leading cement manufacturer with thousands of trucks in its fleet.
The GMD stated that the company, as a regular road user, understands its commitment to the safety of other road users and its responsibility to other members of society. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to road safety, transparency, appropriate ethical conduct, and provision of detailed clarity on the comprehensive systems and procedures to mitigate against any incident along roads across the country.
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.”
