The nation’s downstream petroleum marketing is set to experience a major shift with unveiling of the first fully automated and unmanned fuel stations by AA Rano Nigeria, a development which has elicited mixed feelings in different quarters. Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf in this report examines the pros and cons.
When a self-dispensing filling station Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited owned by Mr. Peter Mbah, first made its debut in Lagos in 2016, it was indeed seen as a novel idea.
Enter AA Rano
But it does appear that the idea whose seed was sown 10 years ago will soon become the in-thing, all thanks to the initiative by AA Rano Nigeria which has hinted of plans to introduce automated, unmanned fuel stations with 24/7 service, digital payments, and SmartPump technology, this month, marking a shift in the downstream petroleum market and altering how motorists purchase fuel and how operators manage retail outlets.
According to the management of the AA Rano Nigeria, founded by oil magnate Auwalu Abdullahi Rano, the stations will offer 24-hour, self-service fueling supported by digital controls and remote monitoring. The project is being implemented through a partnership with Petrosoft Limited, a Nigerian technology firm that develops management systems for the oil and gas industry.
Under the agreement, Petrosoft will deploy its automated station technology across AA Rano’s retail network nationwide.
In a statement by AA Rano, the first unmanned stations are expected to start operations in January 2026, allowing customers to refuel, make contactless payments and complete transactions without attendants.