KEY POINTS

• AA Rano will roll out automated fuel stations nationwide.
• The stations allow 24-hour self-service fueling and payment.
• Automated fuel stations aim to improve transparency and efficiency.

AA Rano Nigeria has launched what it calls the country’s first fully automated, unmanned fuel stations, introducing a technology-driven model that could reshape petrol sales and retail management in Africa’s largest oil market.

The stations, developed in partnership with Nigerian technology firm Petrosoft Limited, will operate on a 24-hour self-service basis, allowing motorists to refuel and pay without the presence of attendants. AA Rano said the first sites are scheduled to begin operations in January 2026, with a phased rollout planned across its national retail network.

The move comes as fuel marketers face tighter margins, rising competition and growing consumer demand for speed, transparency and round-the-clock access.

Why automated fuel stations matter

The company said the automated stations target long-standing problems in Nigeria’s downstream sector, including product losses, inaccurate dispensing, and limited operating hours. Digital controls and remote monitoring will allow the company to track transactions and fuel volumes in real time.

Mohammed Sule, AA Rano’s general manager for retail, said automation offers both operational efficiency and greater customer trust. AA Rano said the system ensures customers receive exactly the amount of fuel they pay for without manual intervention.This will help people make fewer mistakes and leaks.

For operators, the idea lowers staffing expenses and while it enables businesses stay open all the time, which is great for congested routes and cities.

How automated fuel stations will operate

According to Billionaires Africa, the company added that Petrosoft’s SmartPump platform will power the stations, integrating dispenser automation, inventory management, and cloud-based monitoring. Motorists will be able to refuel, make contactless payments and complete transactions independently.

Furthermore, Petrosoft Chief Executive Officer Joshua Denila said the technology supports fleet identification, real-time tank gauging and automated alerts to detect discrepancies or potential leaks. He added that the system was developed locally to meet international performance and safety standards.

Founded in 1994 and incorporated in 2002, AA Rano has grown from a regional fuel marketer in Kano into a nationwide operator with more than 200 retail outlets and a logistics fleet exceeding 600 trucks. Recent investments include a large tank farm in Lagos and increased infrastructure for liquefied petroleum gas.

The corporation is also leading Nigeria’s digital transformation in the downstream petroleum market by building automated fuel stations.