Lafarge Africa Plc has held a two-day capacity-building event to celebrate independent transporters for their contributions to the success and growth of the company.
The Country Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lafarge Africa, Mr Khaled El-Dokani, disclosed this in a statement made available to the Newsmen, on Thursday, in Lagos.
The summit, which had as its theme, “Let’s build together,” specifically targeted independent transport partners who distribute the company’s products nationwide, with the aim of getting them to improve on their operational efficiency.
El-Dokani noted that the annual summit also provided the platform for transport businesses working with Lafarge to familiarise themselves with new developments that drive efficiency, support best practices and profitability and improved logistics safety within the sector.
He encouraged the transporters to take maximum advantage of the two-day learning event by rigorously applying the lessons and insights shared at the summit to their operations.
El-Dokani said, “We organised this event out of enlightened interest. As you know, operational excellence and innovation are key principles that guide all we do at Lafarge.
“We will become more innovative and more efficient as a company if we provide a platform for key partners, such as yourselves to learn about and assimilate cutting-edge developments in logistics.
‘We not only promise to deliver products to Nigerian customers that are of the same quality that Holcim customers enjoy in over 70 countries in the world, but we are also committed to delivering the products on time and in excellent condition.
“You, our dear Transporters, help us fulfil this promise.”
He further highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainable policies that would lower the environmental impact of logistics operations on the planet.
The Lafarge CEO stated that the company operates a Driving Institute, where it trains the drivers employed by the transport companies to distribute its products.
The Chief Financial Officer and Supply Chain Director, Lafarge Africa, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi said to the transporters: “You have been exceptional partners who share our values and our commitment, which is to build progress for the people and the planet. You are a critical part of the Lafarge customer experience.
“As you are aware, our journey to excellence began a long time ago. It is imperative to note that this journey has been that of a deliberate and consistent desire to add value to the business and all our partners.
“You can clearly see that what we have achieved over the years is through your valuable partnership, support and collaboration.
“As an organisation, our commitment to sustainability is unwavering. Very recently, we announced our acquisition of 52 NLNG fueled trucks to again reaffirm our commitment to affordable and clean energy (SDG7).
“It is a significant achievement, powered by a committed team towards achieving our organizational objectives,” he said in the statement.
The Country Head of Logistics Mr Osazemen Aghatise, thanked the Transporters for their partnership and commitment and underscored the importance of ensuring safety in Logistics.
The Managing Director of Joza Global Logistics, the ‘National Champion’ and winner of the Star prize, thanked the company for rewarding business partnership and recognition.
He reiterated his commitment to collaborate more with the company in ensuring best practices within the logistics process.
The transporters, who were recognised during the awards for emerging the overall winner, regional winners for the North, West and South received a Mitsubishi van, 20 KVA generators and 50-inch television sets.