By Correspondent in Lokoja.
The Head of Transport at Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Murilo Silva, has announced that the company is constructing new, technology-driven Control Towers at its Obajana plant in Kogi State to enable real-time remote monitoring of driver behavior.
Speaking during the company’s special drivers’ retreat themed “Drive Safely, Arrive Safely”, Silva said the initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance safety and efficiency across the company’s transport operations.
He stressed that speeding remains one of the major causes of truck crashes in Nigeria and urged drivers to obey traffic rules, keep within speed limits, and show patience and respect for smaller vehicles on the highways.
The Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Arvind Pathak, said the retreat was designed to reinforce discipline, responsibility, and safety among drivers, who he described as frontline ambassadors of the Dangote brand.
He cautioned drivers against drug use, over-speeding, and the practice of using proxy drivers, reminding them that their lives and those of other road users must be protected at all times.
Dr. James Adenuga, Group Head of Health, Safety, Social, Environment & Sustainability at Dangote Industries Ltd., noted that every journey undertaken by the drivers carries “lives, reputations, and the pride of the company.”
A transport expert, Mr. Samuel Odo, urged the drivers to build a culture of safety through consistent practices such as wearing seatbelts, checking tyres, and respecting road signs.
The Divisional Director of Transport, Hemant Rana, described the retreat as timely, adding that the company has reduced accidents by scaling up driver training and enforcing stricter safety measures.
Traditional rulers, including the Bajana of Obajana, HRH Idowu Isenibi, and the Olu of Apata, HRH Frederick Balogun, commended Dangote Cement for creating jobs and prioritizing safety in its operations.
The retreat, held at Obajana, ended with an award ceremony where deserving drivers were recognized for excellence in safety and professionalism.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
