The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-South Zone, has expressed deep concern over the rising cases of fatal accidents involving Dangote trucks across the region, issuing a seven-day ultimatum to the Dangote Group and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to address the menace or face mass action.
In a press statement signed by the Zone’s Coordinator, Amb. Emmanuel Iwara, and Secretary-General, Comr. Daniel Ndanebari, the student body lamented the tragic incidents in Auchi, Edo State, where a Dangote truck on August 11, 2025, severely injured an ND2 Marketing student of Auchi Polytechnic, Mrs. Otabor Ruth Bodon, who lost a leg and risks losing the other. Barely a week later, on August 18, another Dangote truck accident reportedly claimed three lives while two others sustained serious injuries.
While acknowledging that the company had taken up the medical care of Mrs. Bodon, NANS insisted that compensation cannot restore lost lives or limbs, stressing that the recklessness of Dangote drivers must not be tolerated.
“Our findings show that many of these drivers are inexperienced, unlicensed, and often operate under the influence of drugs and alcohol. This raises serious concerns about the negligence of the FRSC and other security operatives, who have abandoned their duties of enforcing road safety in favour of collecting bribes,” the statement read.
The students faulted the FRSC for failing to ensure proper licensing and monitoring of Dangote drivers, accusing the agency of complicity in the recurring tragedies.
The Demands
NANS called for the immediate withdrawal of all Dangote trucks from Nigerian roads pending a comprehensive review of their operations. It demanded that:
All Dangote truck drivers undergo fresh training, testing, and licensing under strict FRSC supervision.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) subject all drivers to compulsory drug testing, barring those addicted to hard substances from driving.
An urgent interface be held between NANS, the Dangote Group, and FRSC leadership to chart a safety framework.
The association further suggested long-term measures, including the installation of speed bumps near schools and tertiary institutions, construction of pedestrian bridges in host communities, and regular safety audits of Dangote trucks, with findings made public.
Ultimatum and Warning
NANS warned that if its demands are not met within seven days, it will embark on drastic measures, including seizing Dangote trucks operating in the South-South and relocating its secretariat to FRSC offices in protest.
“We will not sit idly while the lives of our young people are deliberately wasted. If nothing is done, we will shut down Dangote operations in this region,” the statement declared.
The association urged the federal government, the Dangote Group, and road safety agencies to act swiftly to avert further bloodshed on Nigerian highways.
