Who says the road belongs only to men?
For years, truck driving has been seen as a man’s job because of the long hours, heavy machinery, and the open road. However, times are changing, and so are the drivers. At Lafarge Africa, women are not just taking the wheel; they are shifting gears and driving change. Through the Women on Wheels initiative, these women are proving that skill, determination, and opportunity, not gender, define who belongs behind the wheel.
The Women on Wheels initiative was launched in 2019 through the Lafarge Driving Institute. Since then, it has grown into a game-changer in Nigeria’s transport industry, challenging stereotypes and opening doors for women in logistics. The goal is simple but powerful: to train and empower women to become professional truck drivers, ensuring they have the knowledge, confidence, and certification needed to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated field.
On March 26, 2025, Lafarge Africa celebrated another milestone—graduating 17 female truck drivers in Ewekoro, Ogun State. This latest batch joins the growing number of over 100 women who have benefited from the programme. These women are more than just drivers; they are pioneers, proving that they can handle the demands of the job while maintaining high safety and efficiency standards.
Lafarge Africa’s commitment to gender diversity is not just about meeting quotas; it is about addressing real challenges in the logistics sector. With driver shortages affecting industries worldwide, empowering women to take on these roles is a strategic and socially responsible move. Research suggests that female drivers are up to four times safer than their male counterparts, making them a valuable asset in ensuring road safety, reducing running costs, and maintaining vehicles better.
Beyond the numbers, Lafarge recognises the broader impact of women’s economic empowerment. When women are financially independent, entire families and communities benefit. This initiative extends far beyond the transport sector as more women earning stable incomes means better access to education, healthcare, and improved quality of life for their families.
However, the journey to becoming a female truck driver in Nigeria is not without challenges. Many of the women who enrolled in Women on Wheels have had to overcome societal biases, scepticism, and even resistance from their own families. In a country where traditional gender roles remain deeply ingrained, the idea of women handling heavy-duty trucks is still met with surprise.
Yet, with every kilometre they drive, these women are reshaping perceptions and proving that competence, not gender, should determine who gets the job.
Adobe Favour Ozioma, a recent graduate of the programme shared her experience stating that, “This opportunity has transformed my life. I am proud to be a part of this pioneering initiative, proving that women can thrive in the transport industry,”
This shows that for many of the graduates, WoW is more than a job, it is also a symbol of independence and self-sufficiency. It is about proving to themselves and the world that they are just as capable as anyone else.
Lafarge Africa, in collaboration with the Lafarge Driving Institute, provides comprehensive training that goes beyond just driving. Participants undergo technical training to understand the mechanics of heavy-duty vehicles, road navigation, and truck maintenance. Given the high rate of road accidents in Nigeria, safety is a top priority, so they are trained in defensive driving, emergency response, and compliance with transport regulations. This translates to lower accident rates, reduced maintenance costs, and overall better fleet management.
The programme also includes soft skills development, covering communication, problem-solving, and stress management to help them adapt to life on the road. The rigorous training ensures that every graduate is competent and confident in their ability to perform at the highest standard.
Since its launch, the initiative has gained traction, with increasing numbers of women showing interest in truck driving as a viable career option. In the early years, there was hesitancy, but with each successful batch of graduates, confidence has grown within the programme and in the wider community.
The impact is also visible within Lafarge Africa’s logistics. At the 2025 Graduation Ceremony, Osazemen Aghatise, Logistics Director, Lafarge Africa Plc spoke about the company’s belief in breaking barriers: “As much as we understand that we are operating in a male-dominated industry, we have never entertained the idea that gender roles should be brought to the workplace. We trust in potential and mindset, that’s why we don’t set limits for our women because we are of the firm belief that a Lafarge Woman is as boundless as the sea.”
Lafarge Africa remains committed to expanding the initiative. There are plans in place to train even more female drivers and integrate them into logistics operations across the country. The long-term vision is to make gender diversity in transport the norm rather than the exception.
The road ahead is open, and the opportunities are endless. The women who have taken part in this programme are breaking barriers and setting new standards. They are creating a future where no young girl will have to wonder if she belongs in a certain profession. The success of WoW is proof that when given the right opportunities, women can excel in any field, including those traditionally dominated by men.
More importantly, it is a reminder that progress is also about social transformation. By empowering women to step into roles previously closed off to them, Lafarge Africa is not just building a stronger workforce; it is building a fairer, more inclusive society.
As these women take to the roads, they carry with them more than just cargo. They carry the hopes and dreams of a generation that refuses to be limited by outdated norms. They drive not just for themselves, but for every woman who has ever been told, “You can’t.”
And with every mile they cover, they prove that they can.
