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Dangote Cement Re-trains Hundreds of Truck Drivers to Boost operational efficiency

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Aliko Dangote
Management of Dangote Cement Plc (DCP) has expressed its irrevocable commitment to training and constant retraining of its truck drivers to promote operational efficiency and safe driving across Nigeria.
Speaking during its 2025 Annual Drivers’ Retreat themed, Dangote Cement’s Group Managing Director, Arvind Pathak emphasised that as a leading cement manufacturer with thousands of trucks in its fleet, safety on the road remains the company’s core mandate. He said the essence of the yearly training is to remind the drivers of the core values of the brand and ensure that they are all committed to the Absolute Safer Road Policy of the Group.
The training exercise for the drivers in DCP Ibese Plant took place in Ilaro area of Ogun State, with over 900 drivers in attendance. Another extensive re-training exercise for more drivers has been scheduled to take place in Obajana, Kogi State next week.
The Dangote Cement boss reaffirmed the Company’s commitment to road safety, transparency, appropriate ethical conduct, and provision of detailed clarity on the comprehensive systems and procedures to mitigate against any incident along roads across the country.
Mr. Pathak said Dangote was a responsible organisation that consistently cooperates with the Nigeria Police and other relevant authorities in the investigation of reported incidents with support of all lawful processes, aimed at establishing the facts and routinely implement recommendations that strengthen public safety.
He explained that that every driver employed by Dangote Cement is required to undergo an extensive and rigorously structured recruitment process that includes Valid Driver’s license class G, background verification of both the driver and their guarantors, comprehensive medical evaluation, including vision screening (eye test), blood pressure checks, body mass index (BMI), random blood sugar (RBS) test as well as drug and alcohol testing.
“Other recruitment screening covers usage within a three-month detection window, ensuring identifying any history of substance use before employment, completion of a two-week intensive training programme, which consists of twelve safety modules, practical driving assessments, and written examinations”, the Cement GMD stated.
According to him, “In the past two months alone, over 2,000 prospective drivers have successfully completed this process. Only those who meet all required standards were engaged and certified to operate any Dangote Group vehicles. Our commitment to safety extends beyond recruitment. All drivers undergo mandatory pre-trip medical assessments, conducted by licensed nurses and doctors.
“These include regular checks on blood pressure, vision, and overall fitness, ensuring drivers are physically and mentally fit to operate safely. To enforce compliance with our zero-tolerance policy on substance use, random drug tests are conducted routinely across our operations.”
Mr. Pathak stated that Dangote Cement would continue to collaborate with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other regulatory agencies to ensure that all training, compliance, and operational processes are not only standardised but also continuously improved, adding that these authorities are also actively involved in monitoring and evaluation of their safety practices.
He maintained that Dangote Cement remains fully committed to strengthening driver onboarding and training, enforcing strict safety and behavioural standards, applying punitive measures to curb errant driving, collaborating with government agencies, regulators, and communities to improve road safety, ensuring transparency, accountability, and compassion in everything they do.
Also addressing the assembled drivers, the Group Chief, Health Safety Social and Environment Officer & Sustainability function, Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Dr. James Adenuga stressed the importance of safety protocols and noted that the process was not just to train the drivers on the consequences but to continuously remind them of essentials of safety guides.
Adenuga further stated that the regular training was to educate them in the language they understand and teach them how the training matters to them. He gave insights on the measures put in place to ensure the right individuals are recruited as drivers, saying some of the qualifications for recruiting the drivers included minimum of secondary school certificate, ability to speak English language with writing and reading skills, free of substance abuse, 2-5 years driving experience, possession of  Class-G  drivers’ license, guarantors and rigorous training among other measures.
“We also partner Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to train and prepare them for professional driving so as to equip and give them the basics and fundamentals to prevent them for reckless driving. We equally have a process to give recognition and award to those that profess conduct and good behaved drivers among their peers,” he added.
Taking the drivers through some requirements for safe driving, a Road Safety Expert, Mr. Oje Ebhota explained that the choice of the topic for his paper centred on safety driving habits for accident-free journeys.
Mr. Ebhota listed acts such as aggressiveness, impatient driving, use of phone while driving, taking alcoholic drink and disobedience to traffic signs, as negatives against the tenet of safe driving.
He advised the assembled drivers to be conscious of dangerous overtaking and to drive within the driving limit of 60km per hour so that they do not veer off the road and cause accidents that could affect negatively other road users.
According to him, “let me tell you all, drivers are the ambassadors of Dangote Group. Aside being ambassadors, you are also stakeholders that should be careful and consider other road users as important while on the road.

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BREAKING: Gov. Yusuf to Formally Join APC on Monday

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, is set to rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, 26 January 2026, following his resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) last Friday.

This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Sunday.

The statement recalled that Governor Yusuf first joined the APC in 2014 when he won the party’s primary election for the Kano Central Senatorial seat, a position he later conceded to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

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It noted that after years of political engagement across different platforms, including his most recent stint in the NNPP, prevailing realities of governance, national cohesion and development necessitated his return to the APC, which he described as a familiar and structured platform for progressive governance.

Governor Yusuf stated that rejoining the APC would further strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government, accelerate infrastructural development, enhance security coordination and improve service delivery across Kano State.

He added that the decision would also consolidate political stability and unity in the state.

On Monday, 26 January 2026, the governor will formally register as a member of the APC in Kano alongside 22 members of the State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives and the 44 Local Government Chairmen.

He is also expected to officially launch the APC e-registration exercise in the state.

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NGO Sensitizes Physically Challenged on Disability Law, Calls for Speedy Establishment of Commission

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A non-governmental organization, Non-Formal Development for Education and Health Initiative (NODEHI), has embarked on a sensitization program to educate persons with disabilities in Kano State about the Disability Law passed by the State Assembly. The initiative seeks to bridge the knowledge gap among the physically challenged and push for the speedy establishment of a disability commission to ensure full implementation of the law.

Speaking at the gathering, Dr. Auwalu Halilu, Adviser to NODEHI, emphasized the importance of raising awareness among persons with disabilities about their rights under the law. He noted that many physically challenged individuals were not even aware of the provisions of the legislation.

“We gathered the physically challenged persons to enlighten them on the Disability Law and the steps required for its implementation. If strictly enforced, the law will help reduce street hawking among persons with disabilities. While the law has been partially implemented, the commission that should oversee its enforcement is yet to be established. We hope our recommendations will guide the government towards proper implementation,” Dr. Halilu stated.

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Participants at the event expressed both optimism and concern. Abdurazak Ado Zango, one of the attendees, acknowledged government efforts but lamented the lack of proper monitoring. He stressed the need for inclusive education and guidance, particularly in confronting challenges faced by disabled students in examinations conducted by JAMB and WAEC.

“Government is trying its best, but unfortunately, progress is not being tracked. We should be pacesetters in educating the physically challenged. Funds meant for disability support must be accessible and not diverted. Each ministry should have a desk officer to represent persons with disabilities,” Zango said.

Adding her voice, Ambassador Rabia Yusuf Gezawa, Executive Director of the Gender and Disability Inclusion Advocacy Center, described the sensitization as crucial for stakeholders. She highlighted the slow pace of implementation since the law was passed during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and reintroduced under the current Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

“The bill has been moving very slowly. Although Governor Yusuf is familiar with the law, more needs to be done. Each ministry, department, and agency should appoint directors to ensure compliance. There should also be customized instruments and interpreters to make the law accessible to all,” Gezawa explained.

Stakeholders called for the immediate establishment of the Disability Commission, which they believe will serve as a central body to coordinate implementation, monitor compliance, and ensure that persons with disabilities are fully integrated into government programs.

The program appealed to the Kano State Government to prioritize disability inclusion, allocate more budgetary resources, and guarantee that persons with disabilities are represented across ministries and agencies.

 

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Kano Commissioner Resigns, Citing Political Pressure and Threat to Office’s Integrity

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Kano State Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Yusuf Ibrahim Kofarmata, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect, citing the state’s “prevailing political turmoil.”

Kofarmata announced his decision in a formal resignation letter, expressing concern that the current political climate could compromise the independence and impartiality required of his office.

He argued that the growing tension and expectations of political loyalty risked creating a perception—or reality—of compromised judgment, which he said was inconsistent with the ethical standards expected of a State Commissioner.

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“The integrity of the State Commissioner’s role rests on the ability to act without undue influence, partisan pressure, or divided allegiance,” Kofarmata stated. He added that remaining in office under such circumstances could erode public confidence in the institution.

He explained that his resignation was motivated by a desire to safeguard the credibility of his office and uphold his personal commitment to ethical public service.

Kofarmata thanked the Kano State Government for the opportunity to serve in various ministries, stating that his tenure allowed him to contribute to policy reforms and the state’s development.

“I remain grateful for the opportunity to have served, and for the trust placed in me during my tenure,” he said. He expressed hope that his departure would allow the institution to function without question or constraint.

He formally requested that his resignation be accepted as official notice of his disengagement from the Kano State Executive Council.

His resignation comes amid a period of heightened political tension and realignment in Kano, sparking public debate over governance and institutional independence in the state.

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