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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has commissioned its first self-service smart station in Abuja, introducing a new retail fuel service model that allows motorists to fill up their own petrol 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 retail with digital payment solutions, electric vehicle charging, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) distribution and automotive services.
The company said the initiative is part of its broader commitment to transform its retail stores into modern energy and mobility hubs that offer customers greater convenience while improving operational efficiency. Project reports
Structure 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 an important component of its operations.
The facility has self-service fuel dispensers, charging points for electric vehicles, LPG distribution facilities, an automated car wash and a modern service point for lubricants and vehicles.
It features 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 features 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 refuel themselves
With the new model, motorists can complete fuel transactions through the NNPC Retail mobile application without necessarily requiring the conventional assistance associated with traditional fueling stations.
Through the application the customer can pay for the requested quantity of fuel and generate a code which will then be used at the distributor to release the exact quantity purchased.
The system is expected to reduce transaction times and give customers more 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 a technology-based approach
Speaking on the development, Executive Vice President Downstream of NNPC Ltd., Dr Mumuni Dagazau, said the facility reflects the company’s commitment to implementing 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 gas station model and create facilities that respond 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
In addition to the services currently available at the Abuja facility, NNPC Retail said plans are already underway to introduce additional energy and mobility solutions.
These include compressed natural gas (CNG) plants and a vehicle conversion center, which would allow motorists to explore alternative fuel options.
The planned expansion is significant as Nigeria continues to look for ways to diversify its energy mix and reduce its dependence on conventional petrol- and diesel-powered transport.
The inclusion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and planned CNG services suggests that the new stations have been designed to accommodate different categories of drivers and emerging vehicle technologies.
NNPC is targeting 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 technologically advanced retail network and introduce the concept of self-service to drivers in other parts of the country.
The company’s goal is to transform conventional fueling stations into modern energy and mobility hubs where customers can access multiple services in one place.
Rather than limiting stations to selling petrol and diesel, the proposed model should incorporate alternative energy solutions, vehicle maintenance services and other customer-centric facilities.
The development also comes at a time when Nigeria’s downstream oil sector is undergoing significant changes, with an increasing focus on efficiency, digital payments, alternative fuels and new retail service models.
The new model focuses on practicality and efficiency
The Abuja station represents a departure from the traditional fuel station model, where motorists typically depend on attendants to dispense fuel and complete transactions.
With the smart station arrangement, customers are given more control over the dispensing process as the technology handles key parts of the transaction.
Using a mobile application to make payments and generate dispense codes is expected to provide a smoother experience and potentially reduce queues during busy periods.
The 24-hour operating model could also make the facility more accessible to motorists traveling at different times, particularly those using the Airport Road corridor.
Energy and mobility hub
With its combination of fuel pumps, LPG distribution, electric vehicle charging, solar power, automated car wash and vehicle service facilities, the Abuja station represents NNPC’s attempt to expand the role of the conventional fueling station.
The company envisions the next generation of retail locations as one-stop energy and mobility centers where drivers can refuel, charge vehicles, access automotive services and explore alternative energy options.
The planned CNG conversion center 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 launch could therefore mark a major shift in the way its retail network operates and interacts with motorists.
If the planned 50-70 stations are installed within the expected six-month period, the initiative could offer motorists in different parts of the country access to a new generation of digitally enabled energy outlets.
The Abuja facility has therefore 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 petrol station experience
