“We Proved Them Wrong”, Says Top Graduate As 30 More Women Complete Lafarge Africa’s Heavy Duty Truck Driving Training

Nzom Gertrude stood proudly before a cheering audience in Calabar on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, as she was named best graduating student from Lafarge Africa’s “Women on Wheels” (WoW) initiative – an intensive training programme for female drivers of heavy-duty trucks.

“Many people said we couldn’t do it, but today, we’ve proved them wrong—with courage, hard work, and the support of our instructors and families.” Gertrude said

She is one of 30 women who successfully completed training at the Lafarge Driving Institute, earning certification to operate industrial-grade, heavy-duty trucks used in logistics and cement transportation, roles traditionally reserved for men in Nigeria’s haulage sector.

Their graduation marks another milestone in Lafarge Africa Plc’s commitment to gender inclusion and workforce diversification in the country’s logistics industry.

Since its inception in 2019, “Women on Wheels”
has produced 103 certified female truck drivers across Nigeria. The initiative is not only bridging gender gaps but also addressing the industry’s driver shortage, enhancing safety, and setting new standards for inclusion and sustainability.

Group Managing Director/CEO of Lafarge Africa, Mr. Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, hailed the courage and determination of the new graduates:

“You are not only making history, you are building the future of logistics in Nigeria. “Women on Wheels” is a bold step toward a more inclusive and efficient transportation sector.”

He noted that 56 women graduated from the Mfamosing plant in 2021, followed by 17 from the Ewekoro plant, before the latest cohort in Calabar.

Logistics Director, Mr. Osazemen Aghatise, emphasized that the performance of previous graduates has continued to justify the company’s investment in the programme.

“These women are not just competent,
they’re excellent. Their success in operating heavy-duty trucks safely and efficiently is driving us to expand this programme further,” he said.

Hon. Edema Irom, Cross River State Commissioner for Women Affairs, urged the new drivers to remain ambassadors of possibility and perseverance.

“You are pioneers and a source of inspiration to girls across Nigeria. You’ve shown that with the right support, women can thrive in any profession.”