Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
The Dangote Group has officially distanced itself from a recent fatal road accident in Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, which involved a truck reportedly carrying cement. The company clarified that the vehicle in question does not belong to Dangote Group or any of its subsidiaries, as initial reports had claimed.
In a public statement released on Thursday, the conglomerate stated that verified records revealed that the truck bearing Plate Number JJJ 365 XB belongs to an independent logistics operator and not to the company. The clarification came after social media reports and eyewitnesses initially attributed the truck to the Dangote brand, leading to widespread criticism and public outcry.
The Akungba-Akoko Tragedy
The Akungba-Akoko accident occurred earlier this week near the entrance of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), in Ondo State. According to reports, the truck lost control while descending a steep hill, colliding with several vehicles and roadside traders before coming to a stop. Several people were feared dead, while many sustained serious injuries.
Witnesses claimed that the vehicle was transporting cement, which fueled speculation that it belonged to the Dangote Group Nigeria’s largest producer of cement and one of the most visible truck operators across the country. Videos and photos of the accident scene quickly spread online, with many users blaming “Dangote trucks” for the recurring cases of fatal crashes on Nigerian highways.
Dangote Group’s Clarification
In response to the circulating reports, the Dangote Group issued a statement dissociating itself from the incident. The company said that its internal investigation and verification through the relevant transport authorities showed that the truck involved is not registered under its fleet.
“Our verified records indicate that the vehicle involved in the Akungba-Akoko accident with Plate Number JJJ 365 XB does not belong to the Dangote Group or any of its subsidiaries,” the company’s statement read.
The company emphasized that many independent transporters and logistics operators often brand their trucks with the Dangote logo or carry Dangote products under contract arrangements, which sometimes leads to confusion about ownership when accidents occur.
“We wish to make it clear that while we engage third-party transporters to distribute our products, we do not own or operate every truck that carries our goods. Some logistics partners operate independently and bear full responsibility for the maintenance and conduct of their drivers,” the statement added.
A Pattern of Misidentification
Over the years, there have been numerous incidents where trucks involved in accidents were mistakenly identified as belonging to the Dangote Group. This misconception often arises because of the high volume of Dangote-branded vehicles seen on Nigerian roads, particularly those transporting cement and other industrial products.
The company, however, has consistently maintained that not all such trucks are owned or directly managed by the conglomerate. In some cases, independent contractors and logistics firms operate under supply chain agreements and are only responsible for product distribution, not direct employment under Dangote Industries.
Dangote’s management expressed sympathy for the victims of the Akungba-Akoko tragedy, describing the incident as “deeply regrettable,” while also stressing the need for stricter road safety compliance among all logistics operators in Nigeria.
Sympathy and Call for Safety Reforms
The statement continued, expressing condolences to the families of those affected by the crash:
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and communities affected by this unfortunate incident. As a responsible organization, we remain committed to promoting road safety, supporting law enforcement agencies, and enforcing strict compliance with traffic regulations.”
The company also reaffirmed its long-standing collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other transportation authorities to ensure that all trucks associated with its operations meet approved safety standards.
Dangote Group noted that it regularly conducts driver reorientation programs, vehicle inspection initiatives, and road safety workshops to prevent accidents. The company urged other logistics operators to adopt similar measures to safeguard lives and property on Nigerian highways.
Public Reactions to the Clarification
Following Dangote Group’s official clarification, public discussions around the incident have shifted from outrage to calls for accountability and improved road regulation. Many Nigerians, while acknowledging the company’s statement, have urged the government to tighten control over third-party logistics operators to avoid similar tragedies.
Some analysts also pointed out that the recurrent misattribution of accidents to Dangote trucks reflects a broader issue of road safety management and brand association in Nigeria. Because Dangote products dominate the logistics and construction sectors, any accident involving a cement truck is often automatically linked to the company, regardless of ownership.
Ongoing Investigation
Local authorities in Ondo State have launched an investigation into the cause of the Akungba-Akoko accident and the true ownership of the vehicle. Preliminary reports suggest that the driver may have lost control due to brake failure or mechanical fault, but further verification is ongoing.
The Ondo State Police Command and the Federal Road Safety Corps are collaborating to confirm the logistics company responsible for the vehicle and determine whether safety protocols were breached.
Meanwhile, community leaders and residents of Akungba-Akoko have appealed to the government to implement long-term measures to prevent further loss of life in the area. The town has become notorious for frequent accidents involving heavy-duty trucks descending from the steep hilly terrain leading into the university community.
Dangote’s Road Safety Commitment
The Dangote Group has, over the years, invested heavily in ensuring safer transportation practices. The company operates one of the largest private truck fleets in Africa, and it has instituted several safety initiatives, including:
- Driver training and certification programs
- Installation of speed limiters and tracking systems
- Mandatory vehicle maintenance schedules
- Strict alcohol and drug testing policies for drivers
- Partnerships with FRSC for nationwide driver education campaigns
The company reiterated its pledge to maintain the highest safety and ethical standards in all its operations while urging the public to verify facts before spreading misinformation.
Conclusion
The Dangote Group’s denial of ownership of the truck involved in the Akungba-Akoko accident has helped clarify widespread public misconceptions. The incident, though tragic, highlights the urgent need for better regulation of third-party logistics operations and stricter enforcement of road safety standards across Nigeria.
As investigations continue, the company’s prompt clarification and expression of sympathy underscore its commitment to transparency, corporate responsibility, and public safety. Nigerians now await the outcome of the ongoing inquiry and hope that lessons learned from this unfortunate event will prevent future tragedies on the nation’s roads.
