Dangote Cement Deploys AI, Advanced Safety Systems as Truck Crashes Drop 56%

Dangote Cement Plc has intensified its technology-driven transport safety and compliance initiatives, leading to significant improvements in operational efficiency and a sharp reduction in road traffic crashes involving its trucks.

The company disclosed that it has scaled up a series of impactful and technology-backed programmes aimed at strengthening performance, governance, accountability, and road safety across its transport operations.

According to a statement issued by the company’s Branding and Communications Department and signed by its spokesman, Anthony Chiejina, the enhanced initiatives cover key operational areas, including performance monitoring, strengthened governance standards, improved accountability frameworks, comprehensive driver training, journey management protocols, and periodic recertification programmes.

The statement noted that the programmes also include technology-enabled safety systems, mandatory drug and alcohol screening, strategic partnerships, environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments, sustainability initiatives, and community impact programmes.

Dangote Cement’s efforts have already attracted commendation from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), which recently praised the company for implementing proactive safety measures that have contributed to reducing road traffic crashes nationwide.

Speaking on the development, Head of Transport at Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Murilo Silva, said the company has upgraded its transport management system through the deployment of automated inspection technologies and artificial intelligence-driven solutions designed to enhance road safety and operational efficiency.

He explained that the company now utilizes advanced GPS and telematics systems for real-time monitoring of driver behaviour, enabling stronger oversight and improved safety across its fleet.

Silva added that Dangote Cement has expanded its driver wellness campaigns to combat fatigue while engaging third-party truck operators and drivers through stakeholder forums focused on promoting safety awareness, compliance, and responsible driving practices.

He noted that the company’s partnership with the FRSC has continued to deliver positive results, strengthening safety standards throughout its operations.

According to him, FRSC officials actively participate in the training and screening of drivers at the Dangote Articulated Vehicle Driving School in Obajana, providing technical guidance, ensuring compliance with best practices, and supporting the development of highly skilled and safety-conscious drivers.

Silva revealed that the number of drivers undergoing structured training, drug and alcohol testing, and periodic recertification has increased significantly, describing the growth as “astronomical.”

Providing details of the progress recorded, he said that between the first quarters of 2025 and 2026, Dangote Cement Plc’s Obajana operations recorded a 245.2 per cent increase in drug and alcohol testing, a 489.1 per cent rise in pre-trip vehicle inspections, and a 128.4 per cent increase in driver training programmes.

Commending the company’s efforts, FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, said Dangote Cement has set new benchmarks in road safety management and urged it to sustain the reforms driving improvements in Nigeria’s transport sector.

The Corps Marshal disclosed that between 2025 and 2026, road crashes involving Dangote Cement trucks declined by 56 per cent, while fatalities dropped by 36 per cent and injuries decreased by 52 per cent.

According to him, the results demonstrate the successful implementation of the company’s gap analysis recommendations and safety policies, which he described as worthy of emulation by logistics companies across Africa.

“We have always said that if Dangote Cement gets it right, Nigeria and Africa will get it right. This is a plus for Nigeria,” Mohammed stated.