The Arewa Youth Council (AYC) has praised the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, following the commissioning of Nigeria’s first Smart Self-Service Filling Station in Abuja.
The youth body also welcomed the clear plan to establish between 50 and 70 similar modern energy hubs across the country within the next six months.
In a statementAmbassador Sidi Sani and Publicity Secretary Mallam Bilal Usman, the Council described the project as a progressive transformation of the nation’s downstream petroleum retail sector.
It noted that traditional filling stations are being converted into integrated energy and mobility hubs that combine fuel dispensing with digital and multi-energy services.
“This initiative marks a significant and progressive transformation of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum retail sector,” the Council stated.
“By converting traditional filling stations into integrated energy and mobility hubs, NNPC Limited has introduced self-service fuel dispensing through a mobile application, digital payment systems, electric vehicle charging points, liquefied petroleum gas facilities, planned compressed natural gas services, solar-powered operations, and complementary customer amenities.
“The model prioritises convenience, accuracy, transparency, and round-the-clock accessibility,” the statement added.
“For Nigeria, the Smart Station programme represents a decisive shift toward technology-enabled energy retailing.”
The Arewa Youth Council emphasised that the programme strengthens national energy security while modernising service delivery.
It said the initiative positions the country to meet changing consumer demands and prepare for a multi-energy future that includes petrol, diesel, LPG, CNG, and electricity.
Direct benefits for citizens were highlighted as practical and immediate. Motorists, commercial transporters, and households stand to gain from shorter queues, greater control over transactions, and more reliable product delivery, according to the Council.
“Motorists, commercial transporters, and households will experience reduced waiting times, greater control over transactions, and improved reliability in product delivery,” the statement declared.
“Digital self-service options minimise disputes over quantity and enhance accountability.
“The inclusion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure anticipates the gradual expansion of cleaner mobility options, while solar power reduces operational dependence on the national grid,” it continued.
“These stations will deliver a more efficient, modern, and dignified retail experience for ordinary Nigerians.”
At the national level, the Council observed that the programme carries strategic value by supporting the expansion and modernisation of NNPC Limited’s retail network of about 900 outlets.
The transformation is expected to deepen market presence, create new value chains, and generate opportunities in technology support, infrastructure maintenance, and customer service.
Rather than displacing workers, the new model is expected to evolve existing roles and introduce new skill requirements, thereby contributing to sustainable employment across the sector.
“We specifically commend Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari for the strategic leadership that has made this possible,” the Arewa Youth Council said.
“Since assuming office, he has demonstrated a consistent commitment to performance, institutional reform, and national interest.
“Under his direction, NNPC Limited has maintained focus on production growth, critical infrastructure delivery, commercial discipline, and customer-oriented transformation,” the statement noted.
“The Smart Self-Service Station initiative is a tangible expression of that leadership—practical, measurable, and citizen-focused.”
While acknowledging NNPC Limited’s other achievements in upstream operations, gas development, and organisational efficiency, the Council chose to focus on the downstream innovation because of its direct impact on the daily lives of Nigerians.
Energy, it stressed, remains the lifeblood of economic activity and household wellbeing.
Making retail more efficient, transparent, and multi-dimensional is therefore a matter of national importance, the group maintained.
“The Arewa Youth Council urges accelerated and inclusive nationwide rollout, with deliberate attention to northern and underserved regions,” the statement read.
“We call on state governments, private sector partners, and technology providers to support the expansion.
“Continuous refinement of the customer experience and structured training for personnel supporting the new systems will be essential for long-term success,” it added.
“We congratulate Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, the Management and staff of NNPC Limited and NNPC Retail, and all collaborating partners.”