Dangote Cement Plc has rolled out new, tougher requirements for truck drivers, working closely with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to ensure safety on Nigerian roads.
The company, through its Dangote Articulated Trucks Drivers Training School (DATDTS), has launched a comprehensive recertification exercise at its Obajana plant in Kogi State.
This move, which comes as the company enforces a zero-tolerance policy for crashes, marks a bold step to professionalize truck driving in Nigeria.
Head of Transport, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Murilo Silva, explained that applicants must now meet higher entry standards, including being at least 23 years old, with five years of experience and a valid Class G license.
“These measures are to supply our fleet with qualified drivers, promote safe driving, and achieve zero road crashes,” he said.
Applicants must undergo rigorous screening that covers medical checks, drug testing, and background verification.
According to Silva, no applicant with a criminal record or pending case will be accepted.
“The Dangote Cement Plc has a Policy on Drivers Employment processes that gives the criteria on DATDTS processes of engaging new drivers,” he stressed.
In addition, the company has begun installing cameras across its thousands of trucks to improve monitoring and accountability.
Pre-trip inspections have also increased by 74% this year, while drug and alcohol testing is up by 40%.
The Divisional Head of Transport at DCP Obajana, Mr. Hemant Rana, revealed that a multi-million-naira Pre-Trip Inspection Bay has been established.
Staffed with engineers and mechanics, it ensures every truck is thoroughly checked before leaving for a journey.
“We have built a Drivers Rest House for drivers to rest after making trips and before embarking on new trips,” he said.
Rana also highlighted new support systems like a Control Department to monitor drivers’ behavior and a Help Desk Unit that checks on them during journeys.
The Manager of the Dangote Articulated Truck Drivers Training School, Mr. Daniel Marcus Akuso, said the institution the first of its kind in Nigeria offers courses ranging from defensive driving and truck handling to health science and road safety codes.
“The programmes are implemented in collaboration with FRSC,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Arvind Pathak, disclosed that over 1,500 drivers have already undergone extensive screening to confirm their physical, psychological, and mental fitness for road safety.
“Every driver employed by Dangote Cement is required to undergo an extensive and rigorously structured recruitment process,” he said.
A nice development but these drivers are being dehumanized. They keep giving them impossible deadlines while threatening their pay. Some are already mentally tired even without alcohol intake. They should look into that too