The recent spate of accidents involving Dangote Cement trucks in Auchi, Edo State, has thrown Nigeria’s road safety crisis into the spotlight. The accidents, particularly the one on August 12, 2025, which left Ruth Otabor, a recent graduate of Auchi Polytechnic, severely injured, and the fatal crash on August 17, 2025, that killed three people, have sparked nationwide protests. The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has taken the lead in organizing a protest scheduled for August 20, 2025, demanding immediate reform and corporate accountability for these accidents. These incidents highlight systemic issues ranging from the unchecked operation of heavy-duty vehicles to regulatory lapses that plague Nigeria’s transport system.
A Life Changed and a Tragedy Amplified
Ruth Otabor, who had just completed her Higher National Diploma (HND) at Auchi Polytechnic, became a victim of one of these tragic accidents. On August 12, Ruth was struck by a Dangote Cement truck near the university, resulting in the amputation of one of her legs and the potential loss of the other. Eyewitnesses claimed the driver, who was allegedly underage and unlicensed, fled the scene but was later captured after a lecturer chased him down. The incident, widely covered by Sahara Reporters, has triggered public outrage, especially when Ruth’s sister, Ijeoma “Phyna” Otabor, a prominent Big Brother Naija star, accused the authorities of attempting to cover up the identity of the truck involved. Phyna, in an emotional Instagram post, shared: “They told the police to remove the plate number on the truck that crushed my sister,” further escalating the demand for justice under the hashtag #JusticeForRuth.
Just days after Ruth’s accident, another Dangote truck was involved in a deadly crash. On August 17, 2025, a Dangote truck, reportedly suffering from brake failure, collided with a Mercedes-Benz GLK on the Benin–Okene Expressway. Three people died in the crash, and another was left in critical condition. The truck then caught fire after colliding with a BUA truck, compounding the tragedy. Local cleric, Apostle Johnson Suleman, condemned the incident, stating, “Your trucks are driven by boys high on drugs and untrained. This recklessness must stop.”
A Nationwide Crisis with a Dire Need for Change
Road traffic accidents have long been a critical issue in Nigeria. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) reported 10,026 road crashes in 2024, with over 12% involving articulated vehicles, such as trucks. Despite their lower volume in traffic, these heavy-duty vehicles contribute significantly to fatal accidents. In 2021, a similar incident occurred in Ondo State when a Dangote Cement truck, due to brake failure, lost control and killed eight people near Adekunle Ajasin University, underscoring the frequent and preventable nature of such tragedies (The Nation Online, 2021).
NAPS Spearheads National Protest for Reform
The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has mobilized in response to the accidents, framing their August 20 protest as a stand against the “recklessness of trucks driven like instruments of death.” The protest’s statement, issued on August 18 in Kaduna by NAPS Action Committee Chairman Olasunkanmi Ijaduoye and PRO Usman Ibrahimnyass Dende, includes a list of demands for far-reaching reforms, such as:
Corporate Accountability: NAPS is demanding automatic employment for Ruth Otabor as an Assistant Director at Dangote Cement Plc, a three-bedroom apartment in Ikoyi, and lifelong medical and financial support for the victims.
Infrastructure Upgrades: The students are calling for pedestrian bridges and speed bumps in student-populated areas to prevent further accidents.
Regulatory Overhaul: The protest calls for increased funding for the FRSC’s enforcement units, the public disclosure of disciplinary actions against erring drivers, and mandatory safety audits for truck operations.
Improved Driver Standards: NAPS is advocating for the suspension and retraining of drivers who violate safety protocols, alongside tighter recruitment and monitoring processes.
“These demands go beyond Ruth or the injured bike rider; they represent every Nigerian life lost on our highways,” the statement reads, urging civil society, religious leaders, and the public to join the protest. This call for “justice that is seen to be done” reflects a wider frustration with Nigeria’s road safety system and the lack of effective corporate and government response.
Dangote Cement’s Response, Public Criticism
Following Ruth Otabor’s accident, Dangote Cement issued a statement on August 14 confirming that senior officials and insurers had visited Ruth at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, pledging “comprehensive medical care and appropriate compensation.” The company expressed sympathy, saying, “Our thoughts remain with Mrs. Ruth Otabor and her loved ones, and we wish her a full and speedy recovery.” However, Dangote’s use of the title “Mrs.” for Ruth, despite her unmarried status, drew criticism for being insensitive.
Public response, especially on social media, has been critical of Dangote Cement’s actions, with many questioning the sincerity of the company’s response. Activist Martins Otse (VeryDarkMan) remarked that Dangote’s influence might protect it from legal consequences, asserting, “Dangote must do the right thing morally, not just legally.” Ruth’s sister, Phyna, also echoed this sentiment, noting that the company’s response was only prompted by public outcry: “Thank you Nigerians for making them respond.” The Edo State Police Command confirmed that the truck driver has been charged, with the case scheduled for court proceedings on August 21, 2025.
The Push for Safer Logistics and Sustainable Practices
In August 2025, Dangote Cement also announced plans to expand its logistics network by introducing 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks, aimed at reducing fuel distribution costs. This move, part of a ₦720 billion investment, aims to streamline Nigeria’s fuel distribution system. However, with such an expansion, concerns about safety remain. A 2023 FRSC report highlighted that mechanical failures, especially brake issues, contributed to 28% of truck-related accidents (IIHS, 2023). The August 17 crash in Auchi, linked to similar mechanical issues, further emphasizes the need for improved safety measures in the expanded fleet.
The broader road safety situation in Nigeria has long been a matter of concern. In 2024, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported 4,663 fatalities and 22,746 injuries from road accidents, with articulated vehicles being disproportionately involved. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) struggles to manage the vast 200,000 km road network with just 18,000 personnel, further exacerbating the situation (World Bank, 2023). Additionally, a 2022 study by the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT) revealed that 65% of Nigerian tertiary institutions lack pedestrian crossings near major highways, further endangering students (NITT, 2022).
Youth-Led Advocacy, Global Influence
The growing movement led by NAPS marks a shift towards more community-driven advocacy for road safety reforms. This is not just about corporate accountability; it is about challenging the status quo and demanding systemic changes. Young people, particularly students, are increasingly becoming a driving force behind social and political movements globally. In 2024, youth-led protests in Kenya forced the government to retract a proposed $2.7 billion tax hike, exemplifying the power of organized activism. The Nigerian youth, inspired by global trends, are now using their voices to demand justice for Ruth Otabor and all the lives lost on Nigeria’s dangerous roads.
The incidents in Auchi are a tragic reminder of Nigeria’s ongoing road safety crisis. The demands for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations, better infrastructure, and corporate accountability are more urgent than ever.
