Nigerian oil magnate Auwalu Abdullahi Rano’s AA Rano launches unmanned fuel stations

AA Rano Nigeria, founded by oil magnate Auwalu Abdullahi Rano, has unveiled Nigeria’s first fully automated, unmanned fuel stations, marking a shift in the downstream petroleum market and altering how motorists purchase fuel and how operators manage retail outlets.

The company said 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 issued Tuesday, AA Rano said the first unmanned stations are expected to start operations in January 2026, allowing customers to refuel, make contactless payments and complete transactions without attendants.

Automation targets trust, speed, accuracy

AA Rano said the technology is designed to reduce losses, improve transparency and reassure customers that they are getting the exact volume of fuel they pay for. Mohammed Sule, general manager for retail at AA Rano Nigeria, said the investment reflects the company’s response to rising competition and changing consumer expectations.

“This is about making fueling simpler, faster and more reliable,” Sule said. “Customers want convenience and trust. Automated stations allow them to fuel at any time, with confidence in what they are buying.”

Nigeria fuel stations adopt SmartPump tech

Petrosoft will power the stations with its SmartPump platform, integrating retail automation, inventory tracking and corporate fuel management. The system enables self-service refueling, fleet vehicle identification and real-time dispenser control, with tank gauging and cloud monitoring to track fuel levels, detect leaks and curb theft.

Petrosoft Chief Executive Officer Joshua Denila said the project shows how homegrown technology can solve long-standing problems in Nigeria’s fuel retail market. “Our systems are developed locally and built to international standards,” Denila said. “They are designed to improve efficiency from single stations to large fueling depots.”

From Kano roots to national impact

AA Rano began fuel marketing in 1994 and was incorporated in 2002. Headquartered in Kano, the group operates across the oil and gas value chain, including distribution, marketing, logistics and trading. It runs more than 200 retail outlets supported by a fleet of more than 600 trucks. Recent investments include a 60-million-liter tank farm in Lagos, an LPG terminal and a 20,000-metric-ton LPG facility backed by an acquired vessel.

Auwalu Abdullahi Rano built AA Rano from the ground up, expanding it from a small operation in Kano into a diversified group with interests in oil and gas, aviation and agriculture. Beyond business, Rano is active in social development through charitable efforts. Through the A.A. Rano Foundation, he supports education, health care and youth-focused initiatives across Nigeria.