Motorists can now buy petrol through the NNPC Retail mobile application and dispense the fuel themselves at selected NNPC Retail stations, following the introduction of a new self-service fuelling system.

The initiative is part of NNPC Limited’s move to modernise its retail outlets and transform conventional filling stations into technology-driven energy hubs.

Under the new system, customers do not necessarily have to wait for an attendant to dispense fuel. Instead, motorists can complete their purchase through the NNPC Retail app and use a code generated after payment to activate the pump.

First, motorists are required to download the NNPC Retail fuel application, known as the NR Fuel App, and create an account. The application is available on supported mobile devices and facilitates fuel purchases at participating NNPC Retail stations.

After opening the application, the customer selects a participating self-service station. It is important to note that the self-service option is currently available only at selected NNPC Retail outlets.

The customer then enters the amount of fuel they want to purchase and proceeds to make payment through the application.

Once the transaction is successfully completed, the app provides the customer with a code to use at the fuel pump.

At the station, the motorist enters the code at the designated pump and can then dispense the quantity of fuel purchased directly into the vehicle’s tank.

The system allows customers to determine the exact amount of fuel they want to buy and dispense without necessarily waiting for an attendant. NNPC says staff will nevertheless remain available at the stations to assist customers who may need help using the technology.

The self-service model is also designed to make fuelling more convenient, particularly for motorists who want to avoid queues or visit stations outside conventional service periods. The newly commissioned smart station in Abuja, for instance, is designed to operate 24 hours and allows customers to dispense fuel themselves.

NNPC’s new smart-station concept goes beyond petrol sales. The facilities are being developed as energy hubs offering services including electric vehicle charging, LPG dispensing, lubricant services, automated car washing and vehicle maintenance. Some locations are also expected to accommodate CNG-related services.

The first of the latest smart facilities was commissioned along Bill Clinton Drive on Airport Road in Abuja. The station has 16 PMS pumps, two AGO pumps and six electric vehicle charging points, alongside other services.

NNPC Limited said it plans to expand the model significantly, with between 50 and 70 smart self-service stations expected to be rolled out across the country within the next six months.

According to the company, the move is driven by changing customer expectations and the need to use technology to improve convenience and efficiency at its retail outlets.

NNPC has also clarified that the introduction of self-service fuelling is not intended to eliminate jobs. Personnel will remain available to support customers, operate and maintain the technology, assist with electric vehicle facilities and provide other services at the stations.

For motorists, the new system means that fuelling at participating NNPC stations can increasingly be completed through a phone, with payment made digitally and the purchased fuel dispensed directly by the customer.