Nigeria Launches First Unmanned 24-Hour Fuel Stations

Nigeria has taken a major step in modernising its fuel retail sector with the launch of the country’s first fully automated and unmanned fuel stations. The new stations will operate круглthe-clock, offering customers 24-hour service, digital payment options, and SmartPump technology that allows for self-service refuelling without fuel attendants.

The initiative was announced by A.A. Rano Nigeria Limited, a leading fuel retail company founded by oil magnate Alhaji Auwalu Abdullahi Rano. The project is being implemented in partnership with Petrosoft Limited, a Nigerian technology company known for developing management systems for the oil and gas industry.

According to the agreement between both companies, Petrosoft will deploy its automated fuel station technology across A.A. Rano’s network of more than 200 retail outlets nationwide. This move is expected to transform how fuel is sold and monitored across the country.

In a statement released on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, A.A. Rano confirmed that the first set of automated stations would begin operations later in January. Customers will be able to drive in, select their fuel, pay electronically using cards or other digital platforms, and complete their transactions without interacting with fuel attendants.

The company explained that the new system is designed to improve transparency in fuel sales, reduce losses caused by human error or manipulation, and ensure that customers receive the exact volume of fuel they pay for. The SmartPump technology also allows for real-time monitoring of fuel dispensing, making the process more accurate and reliable.

A.A. Rano added that the automated stations would help improve service delivery, reduce long queues, and provide a safer and more efficient refuelling experience for motorists, especially during late-night hours.

Petrosoft’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Joshua Denila, described the project as an example of how locally developed technology can solve long-standing problems in Nigeria’s fuel retail market.

“Our systems are developed locally and built to international standards,” Denila said. “They are designed to improve efficiency, from single fuel stations to large fueling depots.”

Industry analysts say the introduction of unmanned fuel stations could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s petroleum sector by promoting innovation, improving customer confidence, and reducing operational costs for fuel marketers.

If successful, the project could encourage other fuel companies to adopt similar technologies, further modernising Nigeria’s fuel distribution system.