NNPC launches first smart self-service station in Abuja, plans 70 nationwide

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has commissioned its first technology-powered self-service smart station in Abuja, introducing a new model of retail fuel service that allows motorists to dispense petrol themselves while accessing a range of energy, mobility and vehicle-related services.

The 24-hour facility, located along Bill Clinton Drive, Airport Road, Abuja, is designed to combine conventional fuel retailing with digital payment solutions, electric vehicle charging, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) dispensing and automotive services.

The company said the initiative forms part of its broader effort to transform its retail outlets into modern energy and mobility hubs that provide customers with greater convenience while improving operational efficiency. Blueprint reports

Facility powered entirely by solar energy

The newly commissioned station is powered entirely by solar energy through a system with more than 200 kilowatts of capacity, making renewable energy a major component of its operations.

The facility features self-service fuel dispensers, electric vehicle charging points, LPG dispensing facilities, an automated car wash and a modern lubricant and vehicle service bay.

It has 16 Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) pumps and two Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) pumps, providing customers with access to conventional petroleum products alongside emerging energy solutions.

The station also has six electric vehicle charging points, reflecting the company’s growing focus on alternative mobility options as Nigeria’s energy market continues to evolve.

Customers can dispense fuel themselves

Under the new model, motorists can complete their fuel transactions through the NNPC Retail mobile application without necessarily requiring the conventional assistance associated with traditional filling stations.

Customers can use the application to make payment for the quantity of fuel they require and generate a code which is then used at the dispenser to release the exact quantity purchased.

The system is expected to reduce transaction time and give customers greater control over their purchases.

The self-service model also introduces a more technology-driven approach to fuel retailing, with digital payment and automated dispensing forming a central part of the customer experience.

Dagazau highlights technology-driven approach

Speaking on the development, Executive Vice President, Downstream, NNPC Ltd., Dr Mumuni Dagazau, said the facility reflected the company’s commitment to deploying technology and strategic partnerships to improve convenience, operational efficiency and customer experience.

Dagazau described the project as part of the company’s efforts to rethink the traditional filling station model and create facilities capable of responding to changing consumer needs.

He also commended the Nigeria Immigration Service for providing the land and supporting the partnership that made the project possible.

According to him, the collaboration demonstrates how strategic partnerships can support the development of modern infrastructure while expanding the range of services available to motorists.

More alternative energy services planned

Beyond the services currently available at the Abuja facility, NNPC Retail said plans were already underway to introduce additional energy and mobility solutions.

These include Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) facilities and a vehicle conversion centre, which would enable motorists to explore alternative fuel options.

The planned expansion is significant as Nigeria continues to seek ways of diversifying its energy mix and reducing dependence on conventional petrol and diesel-powered transportation.

The inclusion of EV charging infrastructure and planned CNG services suggests that the new stations are being designed to accommodate different categories of motorists and emerging vehicle technologies.

NNPC targets 50 to 70 smart stations

NNPC Ltd. said it plans to deploy between 50 and 70 similar smart stations across Nigeria within the next six months.

The planned nationwide rollout would significantly expand the company’s technology-enabled retail network and introduce the self-service concept to motorists in other parts of the country.

The company said the objective is to transform conventional filling stations into modern energy and mobility hubs where customers can access multiple services at a single location.

Rather than limiting stations to the sale of petrol and diesel, the proposed model is expected to incorporate alternative energy solutions, vehicle maintenance services and other customer-focused facilities.

The development also comes at a time when the Nigerian downstream petroleum sector is undergoing significant changes, with increasing attention being paid to efficiency, digital payments, alternative fuels and new models of retail service.

New model targets convenience and efficiency

The Abuja station represents a departure from the traditional filling station model, where motorists generally depend on attendants to dispense fuel and complete transactions.

Under the smart station arrangement, customers are given greater control over the dispensing process while technology handles key parts of the transaction.

The use of a mobile application to make payments and generate dispensing codes is expected to provide a more seamless experience and potentially reduce queues during busy periods.

The 24-hour operating model could also make the facility more accessible to motorists travelling at different times, particularly those using the Airport Road corridor.

Energy and mobility hub

With its combination of fuel pumps, LPG dispensing, electric vehicle charging, solar power, automated car wash and vehicle service facilities, the Abuja station represents NNPC’s attempt to broaden the role of the conventional filling station.

The company envisions the new generation of outlets as one-stop energy and mobility centres where motorists can refuel, charge vehicles, access automotive services and explore alternative energy options.

The planned CNG conversion centre would further expand the range of services available to vehicle owners and potentially support the adoption of gas-powered vehicles.

For NNPC Retail, the nationwide rollout could therefore mark a major shift in how its retail network operates and interacts with motorists.

If the planned 50 to 70 stations are deployed within the projected six-month period, the initiative could give motorists in several parts of the country access to a new generation of digitally enabled energy retail outlets.

The Abuja facility has consequently positioned NNPC at the forefront of the country’s emerging smart mobility and energy retail landscape, with the company betting on technology, renewable energy and diversified mobility services to redefine the traditional filling station experience