NNPC to Roll Out 70 Smart Energy Stations Nationwide
NNPC unveils smart energy hub
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPC Ltd.) plans to deploy between 50 and 70 smart self-service energy stations across Nigeria within the next six months as it moves to modernise its retail network.
NNPC Executive Vice President, Downstream, Dr Mumuni Dagazau, announced the plan during the commissioning of NNPC Retail Ltd.’s smart mega fuelling station in Abuja. The company said the new model will transform conventional filling stations into integrated energy hubs offering multiple energy and mobility services.
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Smart Stations to Combine Multiple Energy Services
The newly commissioned Abuja facility, located along Bill Clinton Drive on Airport Road, combines conventional petrol and diesel dispensing with electric vehicle charging, gas services, vehicle maintenance and an automated car wash.
The station has storage capacity for 180,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit and 45,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, supported by 16 petrol pumps and two diesel dispensing pumps.
The facility is also powered by a 200-kilowatt-hour solar system, reflecting NNPC Retail’s plans to incorporate renewable energy into its retail network.
Dagazau said four or five additional smart stations were planned for Abuja, while two others were expected to be inaugurated in Kano as part of the initial rollout.
NNPC Expands Beyond the Traditional Filling Station
The initiative represents a shift in how fuel stations could operate as Nigeria's energy market evolves.
Rather than serving only motorists buying petrol or diesel, the new facilities are designed to provide access to petrol, electricity, LPG, CNG and EV charging at a single location.
Customers will also be able to use the NNPC Retail mobile application to make payments and operate the self-service fuelling system. The company said customers will be able to access the stations at any time, including during the night.
The Abuja station's fast EV chargers can charge vehicles within approximately 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the vehicle and battery level.
CNG and EV Infrastructure Could Shape Future Mobility
The inclusion of CNG and EV infrastructure is particularly significant as Nigeria's transport sector gradually diversifies beyond conventional petrol and diesel.
NNPC said some smart stations will also accommodate CNG conversion facilities, allowing motorists to convert their vehicles while accessing other services.
The development could support the gradual expansion of alternative-fuel infrastructure, although the pace of adoption will depend on the availability of CNG, electricity, vehicle conversion facilities and affordable EV charging.
Implications for Commercial Property
The smart-station model could have implications for the commercial property market.
Traditional filling stations occupy strategically located roadside plots because of their proximity to major transport corridors and high traffic volumes. Adding restaurants, vehicle services, EV charging, gas facilities and other retail services could increase the commercial value generated from those locations.
This could encourage more integrated roadside developments combining mobility, retail and convenience services.
For property investors, locations with strong traffic flows, reliable power, adequate road access and sufficient land could become increasingly attractive for energy and mobility-related commercial developments.
Solar Power Could Reduce Operating Pressure
The use of solar power at the Abuja facility is another important feature of the model.
Energy costs remain a major operating challenge for businesses in Nigeria, particularly those requiring continuous electricity. Using solar generation alongside conventional energy sources could help reduce dependence on the national grid and diesel-powered generators.
If successfully replicated across the network, the approach could also demonstrate how commercial properties can integrate renewable energy into their operations.
Modernisation Will Include Existing Stations
NNPC said the programme will not rely exclusively on building new stations.
The company plans to modernise existing outlets, while new facilities will be developed according to customer demand.
This approach could allow NNPC to upgrade strategically located properties without having to acquire land for every new facility.
It also creates an opportunity to reposition existing roadside assets as broader commercial and energy-service centres.
Automation Not Expected to Eliminate Jobs
The introduction of self-service technology has raised questions about its potential impact on employment.
Dagazau said the shift to automation would not eliminate jobs, arguing that workers would still be needed to assist customers, support EV charging, manage automated systems and provide other services.
The broader service offering could therefore change the nature of employment at the stations rather than simply eliminate existing roles.
Outlook
NNPC's plan to deploy up to 70 smart energy stations signals a shift in Nigeria's roadside commercial infrastructure from conventional fuel retailing towards integrated energy and mobility services.
For the property market, the development could strengthen demand for strategically located commercial sites capable of accommodating multiple services. It could also encourage new forms of roadside retail and mobility-oriented development.
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