Dangote Industries Limited has denied ownership of the truck involved in the fatal crash that claimed several lives in Enugu on Wednesday, insisting the vehicle belonged to another operator.
The accident, which happened around 9 a.m. on September 3, involved a Howo truck loaded with cement and a Toyota Corolla along the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway. Police later confirmed that the truck, branded with the name of Visco Investment Global Limited, was not part of Dangote’s fleet.
In a statement signed by its management, Dangote Industries said: “Investigations have revealed that the truck belongs to Visco Investment Global Limited. We are engaging with the appropriate agencies to find out why the truck was carrying our logo when it is not part of our fleet.”
The company added that it would tighten measures to prevent misuse of its identity. “Going forward, we will apply more scrutiny to the unauthorised use of our brand identity, especially the misuse of our logo on vehicles not linked to the Group,” the statement continued.
Dangote said it was compelled to respond because of false reports linking the accident to the company. “Ordinarily, it is our policy not to comment on individual cases, but the spread of misinformation linking these incidents to the Dangote Group without evidence has compelled us to respond. We call on the public and the media to avoid spreading unverified claims.”
The group also pledged full support for authorities investigating the matter. “We strongly reject attempts to exploit tragedies like this for malicious or financial gain. We remain committed to the highest standards of corporate responsibility, safety, and integrity,” it said.
The Enugu State Police Command confirmed that two separate crashes occurred that day along the Ozalla/4-Corner axis, leaving 10 people dead and 10 others injured.
The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, described the incidents as “avoidable” and urged drivers to be extra cautious during the Ember Months.
The incident has renewed public debate about Dangote-branded trucks, which in recent years have been repeatedly linked to fatal road accidents. Many Nigerians have called for stricter regulation of heavy-duty vehicles, as well as tougher sanctions for reckless driving.
