Dangote Cement, Ibese plant in Ogun State, has sanctioned more than 250 truck drivers for breaching safety rules between 2025 and 2026. The company disclosed this during a press briefing in Ogun on Thursday, where it also demonstrated some of the advanced technology deployed to monitor drivers and promote safer operations on Nigerian roads.
Offences and Penalties
The Head of Human Resources at Dangote Cement Ibese, Muhammed Al-Hassan, explained that disciplinary actions ranged from suspension to termination, depending on the seriousness of each violation. He said the company maintains a strict safety policy and allows only adequately trained drivers to operate its trucks.
According to him, offences such as speeding, illegal haulage and involvement in accidents attract appropriate sanctions based on their severity. Al-Hassan said 200 drivers were sanctioned in 2025, while more than 50 others had already been disciplined in 2026.
Zero-Tolerance Policy and Rewards
Al-Hassan emphasised that the company operates a zero-tolerance policy toward breaches of its safety protocols, stressing that safety remains a top priority. However, he noted that Dangote Cement's approach is not limited to punishment. Drivers who consistently demonstrate responsible and safe driving are also recognised and rewarded as an incentive for others to maintain high standards.
Accountability Extends to Guarantors
The Head of Operations at Dangote Cement Ibese, David Idiege, said the company's enforcement measures could extend beyond the drivers themselves when serious violations occur. Idiege disclosed that the Ibese operation has more than 4,000 trucks and that sanctions are imposed according to the seriousness of each driver's offence.
He explained that where a driver absconds after committing a serious violation, the company may pursue the driver's guarantor. In cases involving major incidents, including crashes that result in fatalities, further legal action may also be considered.
Road-Safety Strategy
The company said its road-safety strategy combines rigorous driver training, real-time monitoring technology, disciplinary measures and incentives for responsible driving. It added that these measures are designed to minimise road crashes, strengthen accountability and promote safer and more professional haulage operations across the country.
