Why Sunbeth, A.A. Rano launched unmanned filling stations in Lagos and beyond
By Aboki Forex —
Sunbeth Energies and A.A. Rano have unveiled self-service and unmanned fuel stations in Nigeria, promising better transparency and convenience for motorists. The move comes as industry stakeholders estimate that Nigerians lose more than N200 billion annually through under-dispensing by fuel attendants.
The new systems allow customers to pump, monitor and pay for fuel without dealing with attendants. Supporters say this could restore trust in the retail fuel market, but workers warn it threatens thousands of jobs.
Under-dispensing problem driving automation
Industry stakeholders say pump calibration issues and dishonest attendants have long eroded consumer confidence. Regulatory authorities have sanctioned some stations for infractions, but enforcement remains weak. Automated pumps are seen as a technological fix because they are digitally calibrated and use cashless payment systems.
Sunbeth opens first self-service outlet in Ogba
Sunbeth Energies recently launched its first self-service filling station at its Ogba outlet in Lagos. Motorists can initiate, monitor and complete purchases independently through a digital platform.
Lateef Abioye, managing director of Sunbeth Energies, described the launch as a major step towards modernising Nigeria's downstream petroleum industry. He said the technology was designed to improve transparency, convenience and customer confidence by allowing motorists to see exactly how much fuel they are purchasing.
One of the first customers praised the experience, describing it as simple, fast and reassuring because the entire dispensing process could be monitored directly. Abioye said the Ogba outlet is only the beginning, with the company planning to extend the technology across its retail network.
A.A. Rano deploys 24-hour unmanned stations
A.A. Rano Nigeria Limited has introduced 24-hour unmanned fuel stations in partnership with Petrosoft Limited, a Nigerian technology company specialising in oil and gas management systems. The stations feature automated pumps, contactless payment systems and real-time surveillance.
The technology is being deployed across A.A. Rano's network of about 200 retail outlets, including stations in border communities with Niger, Chad, Benin and Cameroon. The companies say the system will reduce operational losses, save man-hours and improve transparency by ensuring customers receive the exact volume of fuel they pay for.
Petrosoft CEO, Dr Joshua Denila, said the project demonstrates how locally developed technology can address persistent challenges in Nigeria's retail fuel market.
Workers and analysts raise concerns
The Concerned Petrol Station Workers, through its convener, Comrade Ibrahim Zango, criticised fully automated stations. He warned that the development could threaten the livelihoods of thousands of fuel attendants.
Zango said automation should not come at the expense of workers, particularly at a time of high unemployment and economic pressure. He urged industry stakeholders to create transition opportunities for affected workers rather than simply replacing them with technology.
Energy analyst Rasheed Adeleke said the industry needs a balance between automation and the human workforce to prevent unintended consequences. He also pointed to challenges such as unreliable electricity, network failures and maintenance issues.
The success of the technology will depend heavily on effective regulatory oversight. Stakeholders believe the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) must have access to live pump data and enforce compliance where necessary. Regulators have indicated that they are monitoring the emerging technology as part of efforts to improve transparency and strengthen consumer protection in Nigeria's downstream petroleum sector.
For Nigerian consumers, the shift to automated stations could mean fewer disputes over fuel quantity and a fairer deal at the pump. But whether it delivers will depend on reliable infrastructure, honest enforcement, and how the industry handles the human cost of automation.