• 70 smart stations for commissioning in six months

As part of its nationwide rollout of smart energy stations, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has disclosed plans to lift its network of over 900 retail outlets with solar power, electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities and digital self-service technology.

Disclosing this yesterday in Abuja after the commissioning of NNPC Retail’s technology-driven smart station, the Executive Vice President, Downstream, NNPC Ltd., Mumuni Dagazau, said between 50 and 70 smart stations would be delivered across the country within the next six months, with about five already in Abuja.

According to him, the long-term plan is to modernise both existing stations and new outlets across NNPC Retail’s network, which currently has over 900 affiliate, mega, standard, leased, ultra-modern and floating stations.

The commissioned facility combines conventional fuel dispensing with EV charging, solar power, LPG services, automated car wash and digital self-service fuelling.

Dagazau said the initiative will transform the traditional filling station into an energy hub, bringing together different forms of energy – electric vehicle charging, gas and petrol – in one location.

He explained that the self-service feature allows customers to purchase fuel at any time through a mobile application, while attendants remain available to assist users who are unfamiliar with the technology.

Meanwhile, Dagazau dismissed concerns about loss of jobs to automation, arguing that the smart stations would require additional workers to manage EV charging systems, automation and customer support.

He disclosed that the fast-charging EV infrastructure installed at the station could charge a vehicle from about 20 per cent battery level to full capacity within 30 to 40 minutes, though pricing details would be released separately.

Earlier, the Executive Director, Retail Operations and Mobility, NNPC Ltd., Shettima Baba-Kukawa, said the Abuja station would operate round the clock, with plans to introduce LPG dispensing, CNG infrastructure, a quick-service restaurant, coffee shop, automated carwash and other customer services.

Also, the Managing Director, NNPC Retail Ltd., Huub Stokman, said Nigeria’s downstream sector was changing rapidly following deregulation and changing consumer expectations, noting that customers increasingly demand digital payments, loyalty programmes, faster service and cleaner energy options.