Dangote Cement Plc used its 2026 Drivers Safety Retreat at the Obajana Plant in Kogi State, themed “Think Safety, Act Safely,” to tell drivers across Africa that safety comes before speed, deadlines and delivery targets.
Group Managing Director Arvind Pathak said, “We can replace a truck; we cannot replace a human being.” He reminded drivers that they represent the Dangote brand on the highways and are responsible for their own lives, their passengers and other road users. 
He warned specifically against speeding, fatigue and risky driving, and urged drivers to stop and rest when tired and to judge professionalism by safe arrival, not journey time.
Pathak also said management would keep investing in training, better working conditions and welfare initiatives.
Head of Transport Murilo Silva said reckless driving, proxy driving and other unsafe practices would not be tolerated, and called on drivers to take personal responsibility for reducing road accidents. Ebere Okonkwo,
Group Head, Transport Health, Safety and Environment, Pan Africa Nigeria, urged strict compliance with safety guidelines and noted that drivers’ movements are monitored against set operational standards.
The retreat also gave drivers a chance to raise welfare concerns, including the rising cost of living, work-related expenses and the need for timely communication of drug test results. Some participants praised management’s investment in their welfare and pledged to maintain safety standards. The company honoured 10 outstanding drivers, with Ismaila Suleiman named most outstanding driver for the year.