NNPC to Deploy 70 Self-Service Retail Stations Across Nigeria

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited is set to deploy between 50 and 70 smart self-service filling stations across Nigeria within the next six months as part of efforts to modernise its retail operations.

The company said the new stations would combine conventional fuel dispensing with other energy and mobility services, including electric vehicle charging, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG) and digital payment systems.

The Executive Vice President, Downstream, NNPC, Mr Mumuni Dagazau, disclosed this in Abuja during the commissioning of a technology-driven retail station with electric vehicle charging facilities along Bill Clinton Drive, Airport Road.

Mr Dagazau said the commissioned facility was the first of several smart stations planned for rollout across the country, adding that the initiative was aimed at transforming conventional filling stations into modern energy and mobility hubs.

Under the self-service model, motorists will be able to dispense petrol themselves after making payment through the NNPC Retail mobile application. However, station attendants will remain available to assist customers who require support.

Mr Dagazau also dismissed concerns that the introduction of automated and self-service facilities would result in job losses, saying the new model would create opportunities in areas such as technology, customer service, electric vehicle charging and other operations.

The Executive Director, Retail Operations and Mobility, NNPC, Mr Shettima Baba-Kukawa, said the Abuja facility has a PMS storage capacity of 180,000 litres and 45,000 litres for AGO.

He added that the station has 16 PMS pumps, two AGO pumps and six electric vehicle charging points, supported by a solar power system with a capacity of more than 200 kilowatts.

The facility also includes a quick-service restaurant, coffee shop, automated car wash, service bay and LPG dispensing facilities, while plans are underway to introduce CNG dispensing and vehicle-conversion services.

According to the state oil company, the station is designed to operate 24 hours daily, allowing customers to access the self-service option at any time.

NNPC Retail Managing Director, Mr Huub Stokman, said the transformation of the company’s retail network was being driven by changes in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market following deregulation and the commencement of operations at the Dangote Refinery.

Mr Stokman said consumers were increasingly demanding quality products, competitive prices, faster services, digital payment options and access to alternative energy sources.

The company said additional smart stations were being planned in Abuja and Kano as part of the broader rollout, while existing NNPC retail outlets would also be progressively modernised.