EFFORTS aimed at further enhancing road safety in Ogun State has received a boost following fresh collaborative engagement between the Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese Plant and the State Sector Command for safer road use and general safety advocacy.
Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese Plant reaffirmed its commitment to promoting safer roads and strengthening stakeholder collaboration as it received the newly deployed Ogun State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi, and members of his management team on a courtesy visit to the plant.
The visit provided an opportunity for both organizations to discuss strategies for enhancing road safety awareness, driver competence, and regulatory compliance across Ogun State.
Speaking during the engagement, Corps Commander Ogunjobi commended Dangote Cement for its consistent support to the FRSC and its contribution to road safety initiatives over the years pointing out that the company has established itself as one of the Corps’ most reliable corporate partners through its commitment to safety and responsible transportation practices.
Said he; “Dangote Cement has remained a dependable partner of the Federal Road Safety Corps over the years, and we deeply appreciate the support we have continued to receive from the company,” Ogunjobi said.
“As an organization with extensive logistics and transportation operations, Dangote Cement understands the importance of safety on our roads. This shared commitment provides a strong foundation for even greater collaboration between our two institutions.”
The Sector Commander emphasized that promoting a culture of safety requires continuous engagement with stakeholders, particularly organizations that operate large fleets of vehicles and professional drivers.
“Road safety is not the responsibility of FRSC alone. It requires collective action from government agencies, private sector organizations, transport operators, and road users. We believe there is significant potential for us to work more closely with Dangote Cement in driving safety awareness and improving compliance with road traffic regulations,” he stated.
As part of the proposed areas of cooperation, Ogunjobi advocated the establishment of an FRSC Special Marshal Unit within the Ibese Plant, noting that the initiative would strengthen safety consciousness among employees and drivers.
“We would like to see the establishment of an in-plant FRSC Special Marshal Unit that will serve as a platform for promoting road safety advocacy and best practices among staff and transport operators. Such a unit will support specialized driver training programmes, regular sensitization sessions, and proactive safety campaigns aimed at reducing road crashes, he said.
He further assured the company of the Corps’ readiness to provide technical support saying “our doors remain open. We are committed to supporting Dangote Cement through continuous engagement, capacity building and safety enlightenment initiatives that will ultimately benefit not just the company but all road users across Ogun State,” he added.
Responding, the Plant Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese Plant, Mr. Ayyagri Subbaraidu, described the FRSC as a critical stakeholder in the company’s operations and commended the Corps for its dedication to preserving lives on Nigerian roads.
While noting that safety remains a central pillar of Dangote Cement’s operational philosophy and long-term growth strategy.
“The Federal Road Safety Corps plays a strategic role in our operations because transportation is a vital component of our business. We therefore recognize and appreciate the tremendous work being done by the Corps in ensuring safer roads and protecting lives,” Subbaraidu said.
The Plant Director explained that the company’s Vision 2030 places strong emphasis on responsible operations, sustainability, and stakeholder collaboration, making road safety an important priority.
“Dangote Vision 2030 clearly highlights the need for stronger partnerships with key stakeholders such as the FRSC. Safety is not merely a regulatory requirement for us; it is a core value that guides how we operate every day,” he stated.
“Our commitment goes beyond the movement of products. We are committed to ensuring that our drivers, contractors, employees and every road user interacting with our operations do so in the safest possible environment.”
Subbaraidu welcomed the proposals presented by the new Sector Commander and assured the visiting delegation that Management would continue to explore initiatives capable of strengthening the existing relationship.
“We appreciate the suggestions put forward by the Sector Commander, particularly in the area of driver education and safety awareness. These initiatives align with our commitment to continuous improvement in health, safety and operational excellence,” he said.
“Dangote Cement remains ready to work hand in hand with the FRSC in advancing road safety campaigns, improving driver competence, enhancing compliance, and creating safer roads for all. We look forward to expanding our collaboration for the mutual benefit of our organizations and the communities we serve.”
The visit ended with both parties expressing confidence that a stronger partnership between Dangote Cement and the FRSC would significantly contribute to safer road transportation, improved driver behaviour, and enhanced compliance with safety regulations across Ogun State.
