When Trucks Turn Deadly: Lessons from Recent Dangote's Truck Accidents

 

In recent weeks, Nigeria has been shaken by heartbreaking accidents involving Dangote trucks. One of the most painful incidents was the death of a young lady who just graduated six days before the crash , and another occurred near Apostle Johnson Suleman’s church. These tragedies have again raised urgent questions: Why do these accidents keep happening? and what can be done to stop them?

image: sahara reporters

Why Do These Accidents Happen?

Truck crashes in Nigeria are often the result of:

• Poor driver training – many truck drivers have no formal instruction and learn “on the job.”
• Overworked drivers – long hours on the road without rest cause fatigue and slow reactions.
• Poor vehicle maintenance – many trucks are not regularly serviced, making them unsafe.
• Weak regulations and enforcement – laws exist, but enforcement is inconsistent, leaving room for negligence.

What the Company Should Do

Dangote Group and other haulage companies must:

• Establish strict driver training programs.
• Introduce regular medical and psychological checks for drivers.
• Enforce a no-maintenance, no-movement policy—no truck should hit the road without inspection.
• Use technology like GPS and telematics to monitor driver speed, rest periods, and compliance.

What the Government Must Do

The Nigerian government must act decisively. Beyond enforcing existing traffic rules, one new law is urgently needed:

Mandatory Truck Driving Schools Training: No one should drive a truck in Nigeria without completing a certified truck-driving program. This will ensure drivers understand safety, vehicle dynamics, fatigue management, and emergency handling.

Such a law would professionalize truck driving, reduce road carnage, and save countless lives.

Conclusion

Every accident tells the same painful story: a life lost that could have been saved. If companies and government authorities do the right thing—prioritize training, enforcement, and professional standards—our roads will be safer. Truck drivers deserve the right knowledge, and Nigerians deserve safer roads.