The Arewa Youth Council has commended the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, for the commissioning of Nigeria’s first Smart Self-Service Filling Station in Abuja.
The council also welcomed plans by the NNPCL to establish between 50 and 70 similar energy hubs across the country within the next six months.
In a statement signed by its leaders, Ambassador Sidi Sani and Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bilal Usman, the council described the initiative as a major development in the country’s downstream petroleum retail sector.
It said the smart stations would combine conventional fuel dispensing with digital payment systems, electric vehicle charging facilities, liquefied petroleum gas services, planned compressed natural gas facilities and solar-powered operations.
“This initiative marks a significant and progressive transformation of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum retail sector,” the council stated.
According to the group, the introduction of self-service fuel dispensing through a mobile application and digital payment systems would improve convenience, transparency and accountability for motorists and other consumers.
The council said the model would also reduce waiting times and disputes over fuel quantity while giving customers greater control over transactions.
It added that the inclusion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure would prepare the country for the gradual expansion of cleaner mobility options, while solar-powered operations could reduce dependence on the national grid.
The council said the initiative could also help modernise NNPCL’s retail network, which it put at about 900 outlets nationwide.
It noted that the transformation could create opportunities in technology support, infrastructure maintenance and customer service, while requiring existing workers to acquire new skills to operate the modern facilities.
“We specifically commend Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari for the strategic leadership that has made this possible,” the council said.
It added that Ojulari had demonstrated commitment to institutional reform, infrastructure development, commercial discipline and customer-oriented transformation since assuming office.
The council said the smart station initiative was particularly significant because of the direct impact of energy retail services on Nigerians.
It urged the NNPCL to ensure an inclusive nationwide rollout, with particular attention to northern and underserved communities.
“We call on state governments, private sector partners, and technology providers to support the expansion,” the statement added.
The council also called for continuous improvement of the customer experience and structured training for personnel who would operate and support the new systems.
It congratulated Ojulari, the management and staff of NNPCL and NNPCL Retail, as well as other partners involved in the project.