Photo caption: Assistant Divisional Director, Dangote Cement Transport, Mr. Abdullahi Aliyu (middle) receiving the award from the Kogi State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Atuluku Victor Levi (left) and Dr. Suberu Yusuf John, Special Adviser to the Kogi State Governor on Road Safety Matters (right).
By Charles Okonji
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has recognised Dangote Group for its outstanding contributions to safer transportation and accident prevention initiatives, while stakeholders have lend their voices in commending the Group for the prestigious award.
The Pan-African conglomerate received the commendation of road transport industry operators for its sustained support for initiatives aimed at reducing traffic accidents and safeguarding lives.
Kogi State Government which presented the award said it was to celebrate the Group’s outstanding contributions to promoting safer roads, supporting accident prevention initiatives and advancing collaborative efforts aimed at protecting lives along one of Nigeria’s most strategic transportation corridors.
The award in Lokoja, Kogi State capital, was presented before a gathering of government officials, road safety regulators, transport operators, industry leaders and other stakeholders at the Kogi State Road Safety Stakeholders Conference, where participants explored innovative solutions and partnerships required to reduce road crashes, improve traffic management, and strengthen safety standards across the state and beyond.
The Kogi State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Atuluku Victor Levi, who presented the award said it underscored the company’s growing reputation as a champion of safe transportation practices and its commitment to partnering with government and regulatory agencies to improve road safety outcomes across Nigeria.
According to him, the recognition highlights the company’s longstanding collaboration with the state government and road safety agencies to promote responsible road use, enhancing driver safety awareness, and supporting initiatives that strengthen Nigeria’s transportation ecosystem.
“As one of Nigeria’s largest industrial conglomerates and a major user of the nation’s road network, the Group has continued to champion safety standards across its logistics and transport operations.
“Kogi State occupies a strategic position within Nigeria’s transportation ecosystem, serving as a vital transit corridor linking several states and geopolitical zones. The state’s road infrastructure facilitates the movement of people, goods and services across the country, making stakeholder collaboration critical to reducing road crashes, improving mobility and supporting economic growth”, he averred.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Company management, Abdullahi Aliyu, Assistant Divisional Director, Dangote Cement Transport (DCT), Obajana, thanked the Kogi State Government and road safety stakeholders for the recognition, emphasizing that the recognition would only spur the Group to do more to support road safety initiatives.
“This award reflects Dangote Group’s unwavering commitment to safety as a core value across all our operations. We remain dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote safer roads, protect lives and contribute to sustainable economic development” Aliyu said, adding that road safety remains a shared responsibility requiring continuous partnership between government, corporate organizations and road users.
“At Dangote, we believe that every journey should end safely. We will continue to invest in safety awareness, driver training and responsible transport practices that help make our highways safer for all users,” he stated.
Reaffirming the company’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards within its transport operations, Aliyu said; “safety is not just a regulatory requirement; it is an integral part of our corporate culture. We are committed to strengthening collaborations that improve road safety outcomes and reduce preventable accidents across the communities where we operate.”
The angote Cement Transport Director noted that the recognition aligns with the Company’s broader sustainability agenda and supports the objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as reinforcing the Group’s reputation as a responsible corporate citizen committed to promoting safer roads, protecting lives and contributing to sustainable development in Nigeria.
“At Dangote, Road safety is a collective responsibility, and partnerships such as these are crucial to saving lives and strengthening Nigeria’s transport system. Our goal extends beyond business operations; it is about creating safer communities and sustainable mobility for everyone.”
Also, Stakeholders at the conference commended private sector organizations that have consistently supported road safety campaigns, noting that meaningful partnerships between government and industry are essential to addressing transportation challenges and improving public safety.
Recall that the Dangote Cement Trasport recently launched an ultra modern drivers lounge at its Ibese plant in Ogun state, where its drivers could rest and refresh before and after every trip to promote their well being.
Murilo Silva, the Head of Dangote Cement Transport urged the drivers to make maximum use of the lounge to eliminate fatigue by resting well and be in sound mind always .
