Dangote Cement Launches Safety FairPlay Initiative at Ibese Plant to Revolutionize Workplace Safety Culture

Dangote Cement Plc has unveiled its Safety FairPlay Initiative at the Ibese Plant in Ogun State, setting a benchmark for workplace safety across its operations in Nigeria. The programme, designed to instill a robust and sustainable safety culture, is set to be rolled out across all Dangote Cement plants nationwide.

The pilot launch saw active participation from both management and staff, demonstrating a shared commitment to safer work practices. Built around three core pillars—Recognition, Correction (Coaching), and Discipline—the initiative aims to reward positive safety behaviour, address risky actions consistently, and encourage transparent reporting of incidents, near-misses, and errors.

Speaking at the launch, Dangote Cement Technical Director, Mr. Anandam Duraisamy, emphasized the strategic importance of embedding safety into the company’s culture. He noted that the initiative seeks to transform not only employee actions but also attitudes toward safety.

“Safety FairPlay is about building trust, consistency, and accountability in how we manage safety. When safe behaviour is recognised, risky actions are fairly addressed, and everyone is treated equitably, safety becomes a shared responsibility and a core part of our culture,” Duraisamy said.

He added that true safety excellence goes beyond equipment and procedures, starting instead with employees’ choices, awareness, and willingness to protect one another. “Every incident prevented, every risk spotted, and every safe action taken strengthens our organisation,” he said.

Ibese Plant Head of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE), Mr. Elvis Akalusi, praised management for championing the programme and highlighted the enthusiastic adoption by employees. He explained that Safety FairPlay would be fully integrated into daily operations, providing the tools, coaching, recognition, and accountability needed to foster safer decisions.

“This initiative will only succeed with our shared commitment—our courage to consistently do the right thing, even when no one is watching,” Akalusi said.

By promoting fairness, accountability, and continuous improvement, Dangote Cement’s Safety FairPlay Initiative aims to shift workplace safety from a compliance requirement to a personal and collective value, strengthening both employee well-being and operational excellence.