Dangote Transport has unveiled a Driver Monitoring Control Room at its operational base in Ibese, Ogun State, as part of measures to improve road safety and monitor driving behaviour across its nationwide fleet.
The facility, showcased to journalists recently, enables the company to monitor truck drivers in real time while they are on the road and identify risky behaviour for prompt intervention.
Speaking during the tour, the Head of Operations, Dangote Transport, Ibese, David Idiege, described the facility as one of the latest additions to the company’s safety systems.
He said the technology was part of efforts to reduce accidents, improve operational efficiency and protect drivers and other road users.
Idiege said, “We are constantly looking for innovative ways to strengthen safety across our transport operations. The Driver Monitoring Control Room represents another significant milestone in our efforts to ensure that all journeys are conducted safely and responsibly.”
According to him, safety remained central to the company’s management of its large fleet of trucks operating across the country.
“Safety remains our highest priority. We recognize the responsibility that comes with operating a large fleet of vehicles across the country. That is why we continue to invest heavily in technology, systems and training that help us maintain the highest safety standards,” he added.
Idiege said Dangote Transport had introduced several measures over the years to improve driver performance and minimise risks. These, he said, included speed limiters, vehicle immobilisers, speed booster control systems, facial recognition devices, journey management protocols, mandatory drug and alcohol testing, compulsory rest periods, periodic recertification and regular training.
He stated, “Our approach is holistic. Technology alone is not enough. We combine technology with strict operational procedures, driver welfare programmes, competency assessments, recertification exercises and continuous capacity building to ensure that our drivers remain professional and safety-conscious at all times.”
He stressed that driver fatigue was a major safety concern, noting that the company’s mandatory rest policy was designed to ensure drivers remained alert throughout their journeys.
“We do not encourage driver fatigue. Every driver is required to comply with our journey management procedures and mandatory rest schedules. We understand that alert and healthy drivers make safer decisions on the road,” he said.
Also speaking, the Head of Transport Control, Mr Ifeanyi Ezeala, who conducted journalists around the facility, said an on-board camera system had been installed across thousands of Dangote trucks with the support of technology partner, Nova Tracks.
He explained that the system gave transport managers a live view of driver conduct and generated alerts that enabled the company to respond quickly to potential safety threats.
Ezeala emphasised that the system was designed to support drivers rather than intimidate them, describing the approach as preventive rather than punitive.
Ezeala explained, “The technology allows us to monitor driver activities while journeys are in progress. The cameras provide live feeds and alerts, helping us detect behaviours that could compromise safety and enabling us to take immediate corrective action.
“Our objective is preventive rather than punitive. We want to identify potential risks before they develop into incidents. By having visibility into operations in real time, we can contact drivers where necessary, provide guidance and support safer driving decisions.”
He added that the technology had also strengthened fleet management by providing operational data to support better decision-making.
“The transportation industry is evolving rapidly, and technology now plays a critical role in fleet safety management. By integrating advanced monitoring systems into our operations, we are creating a safer environment for our drivers and for all road users,” he said.
The Driver Monitoring Control Room is the latest in a series of investments by Dangote Transport aimed at reducing accident risks, improving driver performance and strengthening operational standards.
Credit: Punch
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