Dangote Cement Cuts Truck Crashes by 56%
…Expands Technology-Driven Safety Measures
By Patience Ikpeme
Dangote Cement Plc has strengthened its transport safety and governance systems with a series of technology-driven initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency, reducing road accidents and promoting responsible driving across its logistics network.
The company said the new measures include compulsory drug and alcohol screening for drivers, stronger partnerships with regulatory agencies, sustainability programmes, environmental and social initiatives, and community-focused interventions designed to improve safety and accountability.
In a statement issued by the company’s Branding and Communications Department and signed by its spokesman, Anthony Chiejina, Dangote Cement said the expanded programmes are targeted at improving operational performance, governance standards and compliance with road safety regulations.
According to the company, the initiatives also cover driver training and skills development, deployment of advanced safety technologies, stricter journey management procedures and periodic recertification of drivers to ensure continuous compliance with industry standards.
The company noted that its efforts have already attracted recognition from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), which recently commended Dangote Cement for introducing safety programmes that have contributed to reducing road traffic crashes involving its trucks across Nigeria.
Speaking on the developments, Head of Transport at Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Murilo Silva, said the company has upgraded its transport management systems through the introduction of automated vehicle inspection technologies and artificial intelligence-based solutions.
According to him, the innovations are helping to improve efficiency while also strengthening safety across the company’s nationwide fleet operations.
Silva explained that the company has deployed enhanced Global Positioning System (GPS) and telematics technologies that allow real-time monitoring of driver behaviour while vehicles are in transit.
He said the system enables the company to closely track operational activities and quickly identify unsafe driving practices, thereby reducing risks on the road.
“We have strengthened our transport management systems through the deployment of automated inspection technologies and artificial intelligence-driven solutions aimed at improving operational efficiency and road safety,” Silva said.
He added that Dangote Cement has also expanded its driver wellness programmes as part of efforts to address fatigue, one of the leading causes of road accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles.
According to him, the company regularly engages third-party truck operators and drivers through stakeholder forums aimed at promoting safety awareness, regulatory compliance and responsible conduct on the nation’s highways.
Silva said the company’s collaboration with the FRSC has continued to produce positive results, helping to improve safety standards throughout its transport operations.
He disclosed that FRSC personnel actively participate in the training and screening of drivers at the Dangote Articulated Vehicle Driving School located in Obajana.
According to him, the road safety officials provide technical support, monitor compliance with established standards and assist in developing professional drivers with a strong commitment to safety.
Silva revealed that participation in structured driver training programmes, drug and alcohol testing as well as periodic recertification exercises has increased substantially in recent years.
“The percentage of drivers undergoing structured training, drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic recertification has grown astronomically,” he said.
Providing further details, Silva said a comparison of first-quarter performance figures between 2025 and 2026 showed major improvements in the company’s safety compliance indicators.
He disclosed that drug and alcohol testing increased by 245.2 per cent during the period, while pre-trip vehicle inspections rose by 489.1 per cent. Driver training programmes also expanded by 128.4 per cent.
Industry observers say the figures indicate a significant investment in preventive safety measures aimed at reducing accidents and improving operational discipline among drivers.
The FRSC has also acknowledged the impact of the reforms.
Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, praised Dangote Cement for introducing safety management practices that are producing measurable results within Nigeria’s transport sector.
He urged the company to maintain the momentum and continue implementing policies that improve safety standards across its logistics operations.
According to the Corps Marshal, a comparison between 2025 and 2026 showed that road crashes involving Dangote Cement trucks declined by 56 per cent.
He added that fatal accidents fell by 36 per cent during the period, while injuries resulting from truck-related crashes dropped by 52 per cent.
Mohammed said the improvements demonstrate that the company has successfully implemented recommendations arising from its safety gap analysis and established policies that can serve as a model for logistics operators across Africa.
“The improvement has shown that the company has implemented its Gap Analysis and company policies worthy of emulation by all logistics companies in Africa,” he said.
The Corps Marshal added: “We have always said that if Dangote Cement gets it right, Nigeria and Africa will get it right. This is a plus for Nigeria.”
The latest figures are expected to strengthen confidence in the role of technology, continuous driver training and closer collaboration between private sector operators and regulators in improving road safety and reducing accident rates in Nigeria’s transport industry.
