The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is moving to transform its network of more than 900 filling stations into multi-energy hubs offering petrol, gas, electricity and digital services.
The company plans to roll out between **50 and 70 smart stations within the next six months**, signalling a major shift in the way motorists and other energy consumers will access services at NNPC Retail outlets.
The Executive Vice President, Downstream, NNPCL, Mumuni Dagazau, disclosed this in Abuja after the commissioning of a technology-driven smart station.
He said about five smart stations had already been established in Abuja, with the wider rollout expected across the country.
Rather than serving only as fuel dispensing points, the upgraded stations will combine conventional petrol sales with **electric vehicle charging, solar power, LPG services, automated car washes and digital self-service fuelling**.
Dagazau described the initiative as an effort to turn traditional filling stations into energy hubs capable of serving consumers using different forms of energy.
He said the long-term plan was to modernise existing stations as well as new outlets across NNPC Retail’s network, which comprises more than 900 affiliate, mega, standard, leased, ultra-modern and floating stations.
The official said the smart stations would also allow customers to buy fuel through a mobile application without having to rely entirely on attendants.
However, he said workers would remain available to assist customers who are not familiar with the technology.
The move is also expected to position NNPC Retail for the gradual growth of electric mobility in Nigeria.
Dagazau said the fast-charging equipment installed at the Abuja station could charge an electric vehicle from about 20 per cent battery capacity to full charge within 30 to 40 minutes.
He said details of the charging cost would be announced separately.
The NNPCL official also dismissed concerns that automation could lead to significant job losses, saying the new stations would require workers to manage EV charging, automated systems and customer support.
The Executive Director, Retail Operations and Mobility, NNPC Ltd., Shettima Baba-Kukawa, said the Abuja station would operate round the clock.
He said additional services, including LPG dispensing, CNG infrastructure, a quick-service restaurant, coffee shop and automated car wash, would also be introduced.
The Managing Director of NNPC Retail Ltd., Huub Stokman, said deregulation and changing consumer expectations were reshaping Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
According to him, consumers now expect faster service, digital payment options, loyalty programmes and access to cleaner energy.
The NNPCL rollout therefore marks a shift from the traditional filling station model towards a broader energy and mobility service platform.
