Breaking Barriers: 15 Women Become Certified Truck Drivers in Gombe

Breaking Barriers: 15 Women Become Certified Truck Drivers in Gombe

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

In a move that is reshaping Nigeria’s logistics landscape, Lafarge Africa Plc has graduated 15 female truck drivers under its flagship Women on Wheels programme, along with five community drivers.

The colourful ceremony, held on Thursday at the Ashaka Cement Plant, marked the end of an intensive six-month training program designed to equip participants with the skills needed to safely operate heavy-duty vehicles in the country’s demanding construction sector.

The newly certified drivers underwent rigorous instruction covering advanced vehicle handling, defensive driving, fuel efficiency, and safety protocols.

The program is not only helping to bridge the shortage of qualified drivers; it is also promoting safe roads and challenging long-standing gender stereotypes in the industry.

Representing the state government, Deputy Governor Mannasseh Jatau praised the initiative, describing it as a powerful example of how private sector investments can transform lives.

He noted that empowering women through such programmes creates opportunities that ripple across communities.

“This initiative demonstrates a strong dedication to addressing genuine societal issues while providing women with the opportunity to excel in unconventional roles,” he stated.

In his remarks, the Group Managing Director and CEO of Lafarge Africa, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, described the graduation as a moment of pride and progress. He said the program is redefining what’s possible in the logistics value chain and proving that excellence is not defined by gender.

“You have broken barriers and stepped into a space many thought was out of reach. Carry this achievement with confidence and continue to represent excellence,” he told the graduates.

Also speaking, the company’s logistics director, Osazemen Aghatise, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, noting that it has created a growing network of over 100 female drivers across Lafarge operations nationwide.

“This programme is about creating access and building capacity. It is proof that when given the opportunity, women can excel in any field,” he said, while urging the graduates to uphold strict safety and professional standards.

The managing director of Ashaka Cement Limited, Ibrahim Aminu, described the milestone as significant not only for the company but also for the entire North-East region.

According to him, integrating the new drivers into operations will boost efficiency while addressing workforce gaps, particularly by ensuring that there are enough qualified personnel to meet the demands of the growing transportation sector.

Speaking on behalf of her colleagues, the best graduating driver, Judith Baka, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting that the training has opened a new chapter in her life and career.

The event drew notable guests, including the Emir of Funakaye, Yakubu Kwairanga, and the Federal Road Safety Corps Sector Commander in Gombe, Samson Kaura, alongside other government officials and stakeholders.

Since launching the Women on Wheels initiative in 2019, Lafarge Africa has trained over 100 female truck drivers, steadily building a more inclusive workforce and setting a new standard for gender participation in Nigeria’s construction and logistics sectors.